The play was written by Tom Fry and Sharon Kelly. It was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Monday 24th October 2011 at 2:15pm. The play is the second episode of the fourth series. The play includes sound effects and a theme tune.
The plot is based on an accusation of a teacher and a student having an affair. This is common in this day so many will be able to understand and relate to it. Michael is in love with Bryony and argues that she was of age when they had sex.
The play has some humorous qualities regardless of the topic. Such as the second story in the play sperm donor interview, they both quiz each other on what they do. Keith makes a joke about the Sarah specialising in Criminal defence.
“That’s me Keith, Queen of toe rag technicalities”
Keith comes on way too strong and makes so many mistakes, including mentioning he lives with his mother. It is obvious by the tone of Sarah’s voice she really doesn’t want to be there and makes a hasty escape. A subplot reveals Sarah’s desire to have a baby and the complications involved.
The play has a range of characters. I like the way the young characters are portrayed and written. The writers did a good job in writing the characters. The defence lawyer puts pressure on a witness to tell the truth. It shows the view of the situation from many characters opinions. Bryony’s mother approves the relationship because the age of consent is 16. Bryony is nearly 18 and Michael is 23. The detectives view is that it’s wrong because they are a teacher and student. The topic has two arguments involved; do you choose Love or follow the law.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0167zkj/Afternoon_Play_Brief_Lives_Series_4_Episode_2/
