Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Beryl: A Love Story on Two Wheels

4 Extra Debut. True story of a working class mum who combined farm work with world champion cycling. Maxine Peake stars in her first drama.

As an ill child, Beryl Burton was told never to exercise. And then she met a young cyclist called Charlie: "The first year I pushed her, the second year I rode with her, and the third year she was at the head of the bunch".

Maxine Peake writes and stars in this true love story of Beryl Burton, a working class mum from Morley in Leeds who, with no financial backing or training, combined farm work with global domination in all areas of cycling competition from the 1950s to 1970s.

Drama is intertwined with contributions from Charlie Burton, now in his 80s, and their cycling champion daughter, Denise Burton Cole. Their perspective provides an intimate, funny and moving portrayal of Beryl, recorded on bikes in various locations around Saddleworth and in Harrogate.

Cast includes residents of Saddleworth as cyclists and Morley Club supporters

Contributors:
Charlie Burton
Denise Burton Cole

Sound Engineer Sound Designer: Eloise Whitmore
Assistant Producer: Cath Ames
Production Assistant: Claire Ennion
Executive Producer: Melanie Harris

Directed and produced by Justine Potter
A Savvy production for BBC Radio 4.

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 6 Jan 2017 21:15
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

The Mysterious Case of Maria

Next

The Healing of Sergei Rachmaninov

See all episodes from Drama on 4

Credits

Beryl Burton Maxine Peake
Charlie Burton Mark Jordon
Stan Tony Pitts
Young Beryl Sydney Wade
Angela Sydney Wade
Young Denise Sophie Downham
Nim Carlin John Hollingworth
Mike McNamara John Hollingworth
Policemen John Hollingworth
Doctors John Hollingworth
Walter Hall Eden Potter Williams
Announcer/Commentator John Hollingworth
Announcer/Commentator Markus Uhlig
Announcer/Commentator Erica Ryan
Announcer/Commentator Cornelia Mueller Claus
Russian Soldier Pawlo Wintoniuk
Director Justine Potter
Producer Justine Potter
Writer Maxine Peake

Broadcasts

  • Tue 27 Nov 2012 14:15
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 20 May 2015 14:15
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 6 Jan 2017 11:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 6 Jan 2017 21:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

Opening Lines

Opening Lines

John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.

The Shakespeare Sessions

The Shakespeare Sessions

Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world