A long thought lost 1977 radio adaptation of Alan Ayckbourn’s classic play Absurd Person Singular has been rediscovered.

First broadcast on Saturday Night Theatre on BBC Radio 4 1977, this adaptation of Absurd Person Singular has never been repeated and was presumed lost with next to no details known about it.

It has now been found in archive and will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC Sounds from 30 May 2024, having been unheard for more than 45 years.

One of the most significant facts about the radio adaptation is it features Christopher Godwin playing the role of Sidney Hopcroft; Christopher appeared in the world premiere production of the play at Theatre in the Round at the Library Theatre, Scarborough, in 1972 although there he played Ronald.

Considered one of Alan Ayckbourn’s most significant and funniest plays, the radio adaptation stars Judy Parfitt as Marion, Stephen Murray as Ronald and Christopher Godwin as Sidney.

Hidden Treasures; Absurd Person Singular can be heard from 30 May on BBC Radio 4 Extra and BBC Sounds with further details here.