Independent Drama podcast: Rock

It’s 25 years since the world lost Rock Hudson to Aids. Hudson was a screen idol in 50s LA, but his career was perpetually under threat from Confidential Magazine.

Now Made in Manchester adapts the critically acclaimed stage play Rock for radio via The Independent.

Written and Directed by Tim Fountain and starring the incomparable Bette Bourne as Henry Willson and Michael Xavier as Rock Hudson, Rock brings the seamy world of Hollywood’s heyday vividly to life.

Listen or download this exclusive new audio drama here:

WARNING: Rock contains adult themes and strong language throughout

Independent Drama - Rock by The Independent on Mixcloud

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About The Writer:

Tim Fountain plays include Sex Addict, Resident Alien (about Quentin Crisp), which was also broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Julie Burchill Is Away, Hotboi, How To Lose Friends and Alienate People, Dandy in the Underworld and Midnight Cowboy. He also wrote Cinderella and directed the original West End Production of Puppetry of the Penis. Tim has also written for television and radio including Bob and Margaret (Channel Four/Comedy Central, USA). Tim’s books include Quentin Crisp: a Biography, So you want to be a playwright? and Rude Britannia.

About the Actors:

Bette Bourne (Henry Willson)

The multi award-winning Shakespearean actor Bette Bourne began acting at the age of 4 and has had a career on stage and screen ever since. He starred in The Avengers, The Saint, The Prisoner and Dixon of Dock Green and in 1999 played his good friend Quentin Crisp in the stage play Resident Alien. Bette Bourne is also a long-standing gay rights activist.

Michael Xavier (Rock Hudson)

Michael Xavier is a critically acclaimed West End actor and singer whose credits include Love Story, Oklahoma, Spamalot, West End Story, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, The Mikado and Miss Saigon.

Rock also stars Paul Kendrick as the publicist and Iain Mackness as Phyllis. The newsreader and narrator are played by Matthew Ganley.

The theme music to Rock is written and performed by Matthew Ganley.

This audio drama is produced by Iain Mackness and the Executive Producer is Ashley Byrne. It’s a Made in Manchester Production for The Independent. For further information go to www.madeinmanchester.tv or www.timfountain.co.uk For more details about the music contact Matthew Ganley via www.happystormtheatrecompany.co.uk

Rock is copyright of Tim Fountain and Made in Manchester Limited