#Blessed and other stories of love and friendship

Thirteen plays about human connection, from some of BBC Radio''s best writers exploring love, family, romances and life''s ups and downs This diverse collection of stories centres around family dynamics, relationships both romantic and platonic, and the diverse ways ordinary people navigate the vicissitudes of everyday life.Ranging from modern fairy tales to coming-of-age dramas, they feature a wide variety of styles, and are scripted by an array of writers from award-winning dramatists to first-time authors. Here are stories of meeting and parting; hope and heartbreak; grief and forgiveness; and the endless possibility of change.We meet the couple racing to secure their IVF treatment; the wide-eyed young Conservative whose awakening is more than just political; the teenager who discovers a secret that threatens his entire extended family; the ex-offender transformed through his friendship with a photographer, and many more captivating characters. These engrossing dramas let us venture into their worlds; giving us an intimate insight into their lives and loves.Among the casts are Jaime Winstone, Sean Gallagher, Rhea Bailey, Mina Anwar, Ciarán Griffiths and Harry McEntire.Cast and creditsAll plays are Sparklab productions for BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3.Produced by Melanie Harris and Executive Produced by Polly Thomas, Jeremy Mortimer & Jo Meek. #blessedCast: Olivia Poulet, Laurence Dobiesz, Ayesha Dharker, Valmike Rampersad, Fenella WoolgarWritten by Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz. Directed by Susannah Tresilian.Indigo ChildrenCast: Lizzy Clark, Jaime Winstone, Luke Jerdy, Sylvestra Le TouzelWritten by Hannah Silva. Directed by Jude KellyMy Life Is a Series of People Saying GoodbyeCast: Sean Gallagher, David Annen, Will Payne, Fenella Woolgar, Frances Grey, Jenny JulesWritten by Dan Rebellato. Produced and Directed by Polly ThomasNot for TurningCast Nicola Holt, Henry Devas, Andrew Bentley, Ashley Gerlach, Toby HadokeWritten by Tim Dawson. Directed by Lawrence TillThe Ladies RoomCast: Rhea Bailey, Lisa Livingstone, Lois ChimimbaWritten by Gemma Bedeau. Directed by Melanie HarrisWhose Baby?Cast: Gurjeet Singh, Mina Anwar, Perveen Hussain, George Bukhari, Sid Akbar AliWritten by Ishy Din. Directed by Julia Ford.1963Cast: Andy Clark, Curtis Appleby, Ross Waiton, Jill Dellow, Micheal AjaoWritten by Peter Flannery. Directed by Melanie HarrisCarifesta 2019: Mr SinghCast: Keegan Maharaj, Rhesa Samuel, Idrees Saleem, Tafar Lewis, Khadijah Kirton, Israel Nunes Children from the Quays Foundation, Maloney, Trinidad & Tobago.Written by Derron Sandy. Directed by Melanie HarrisCarifesta 2019: AronCast: Levee Rodriguez, Errol Fabien, Anand Lawkaran, Jayron Remy, Tishanna Williams, Nickolai Salcedo. Written by Kyle Hernandez. Directed by Melanie HarrisCarifesta 2019: Water More Than FlourCast: Mandisa Granderson, Conrad Parris, Kimmy Stoute-Robinson, Arnold GoindhamWritten by Elisha Efua Bartels. Directed by Melanie HarrisKarin and AndrewCast: Eve Shotton, Ciarán Griffiths, Darren Kuppan, Melissa Jane SindenScripted and directed by Melanie Harris.In His KissCast: Niamh McGowan, Harry McEntire, Kimberly Hart-SimpsonWritten by Lucy Montague Moffatt. Directed by Julia FordThe Reality TunnelCast: Sarah Miele, Sam NewtonWritten by Karen Law. Directed by Melanie Harris© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd