Shelagh Delaney, best known for her groundbreaking play A Taste of Honey, also wrote screenplays and radio plays throughout her career. Now, a previously unknown 30-minute audio drama titled Catch Me Who Can has been released, described as a "little gem." The play, which explores the life of a teenage truant, was discovered by Delaney's daughter, Charlotte, after her mother's death in 2011. Charlotte adapted the piece for audio and explained that it reflects her own experience of running away from home and school at age 14 in 1978. She believes the play remained hidden for years because it dealt with a personal subject, and her mother had strict rules about such matters.
In Catch Me Who Can, a tense dialogue unfolds between Hattie, a runaway played by Ivy Sheehan, and her math teacher, portrayed by Toby Jones. The teacher, who is on strike and out jogging in the park, represents a structured, disciplined world, while Hattie embodies the desire for freedom and self-expression. Delaney skillfully weaves irony into the situation, as the teacher advocates for family life but is himself a solitary figure. Hattie's quest for self-discovery is contrasted with her indifference toward others, including her worried parents.
The play is noted for its natural, conversational dialogue. Hattie, much like the teenage Jo in A Taste of Honey, asks a series of probing questions. One scene has her questioning the teacher about whether he ever acted out of pure curiosity, referencing the idea that "curiosity was divine." The play also includes a character played by Rita Tushingham, a veteran actress who portrayed Jo in the film adaptation of A Taste of Honey. This character, an itinerant bag lady, mentions a relative whose leg was amputated "just like President Tito," adding a touch of historical and political context.
Set in London in 1978, the play references contemporary issues such as the IRA, the Vietnamese "boat people" fleeing war-torn Vietnam, and the Rock Against Racism movement. The production, deftly handled by Polly Thomas, features strong performances by Jones and Sheehan. The piece showcases Delaney's talent for dialogue and her deep appreciation for education and the vibrant energy of youth.
Shelagh Delaney's Unearthed Play Offers Insight into Teenage Truancy and 1970s London Life
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