Shelagh Delaney's Lost Play 'Catch Me Who Can' Rediscovered

A previously unreleased 30-minute play by acclaimed British playwright Shelagh Delaney, titled "Catch Me Who Can," has been discovered and adapted into a compelling audio drama. The discovery sheds new light on Delaney's prolific career, which extended beyond her most famous work, "A Taste of Honey." While "A Taste of Honey" is celebrated for its enduring impact and "rock-solid heart," Delaney also penned screenplays for films such as "Charlie Bubbles" and "Dance With a Stranger," as well as television series including "The House That Jack Built," and several radio plays. The rediscovery of "Catch Me Who Can" adds another significant piece to her literary legacy.

The origins of "Catch Me Who Can" are particularly personal and explain its long period of obscurity. The play, which centers on a teenage truant, was found by Delaney's daughter, Charlotte, following the playwright's death in 2011. Charlotte herself adapted the work for its audio drama production. She explained that the play imagines her own experiences during a three-day, two-night period when she ran away from home and school at the age of 14 in 1978. Charlotte suggests that the reason the play remained unpublished and unheard for so long is likely due to her mother's strict rules regarding writing about personal family matters, especially those involving Charlotte.

The newly released audio drama features notable performances from actors Toby Jones and Rita Tushingham, bringing Delaney's rediscovered work to a contemporary audience. The adaptation by Charlotte Carter, Delaney's daughter, ensures a faithful representation of the original text while making it accessible in an audio format. This initiative by Thomas Carter Projects highlights the ongoing relevance and artistic merit of Shelagh Delaney's contributions to British theatre and literature. The play's rediscovery underscores the potential for significant artistic works to remain hidden and the importance of diligent archival efforts and familial dedication in bringing them to light.

Shelagh Delaney, who rose to prominence with "A Taste of Honey" at the age of 18, became a significant voice in the British New Wave movement, known for her authentic portrayal of working-class life and complex female characters. The discovery of "Catch Me Who Can" reinforces her reputation as a writer who consistently explored nuanced human experiences. The play's focus on a young runaway and her mother's rules offers a glimpse into the domestic dynamics and personal struggles that Delaney often depicted with sharp insight and emotional depth. The adaptation into an audio drama format allows for a new generation to engage with her storytelling, further cementing her place in literary history.