E.R. Braithwaite: A BBC Radio Collection

Synopsis

A trio of novels by the renowned author, dramatised for BBC Radio Guyanese writer E. R. Braithwaite is probably best known for his semi-autobiograpical, internationally bestselling novel To Sir with Love, which was adapted as an award-winning film starring Sidney Poitier. Collected here are dramatisations of three of his acclaimed novels, with casts including Kwame Kei-Armah and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.To Sir with Love – Having been rejected from various roles due to the colour of his skin, ex-RAF pilot Rick Braithwaite gets a job as a teacher in a progressive inner-city school in postwar London. The students are tough, foul-mouthed and angry, but he inspires them as they inspire him. Kwame Kwei-Armah stars in this tale of a black teacher’s struggles to connect with his students.Paid Servant – Seconded to London County Council as a child welfare officer, former teacher Rick Braithwaite faces further prejudice. There, he finds himself taking over the case of Roddy Williams, a vulnerable mixed-race boy in need of a family. Kwame Kwei Armah reprises his role as Rick in this moving sequel to Braithwaite’s 1959 novel To Sir With Love.Choice of Straws – Rootless Teddy boys Jack and Dave go looking for trouble, but the night ends in tragedy when a man is fatally stabbed. Shocked and remorseful, Jack must deal with anguish and loss, and learn how to live again. Set in the racially intolerant London of the 1950s, this powerful drama stars Harry Hepple and Luke Norris as Jack and Dave, with Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Michelle and Annabelle Dowler as Ruth.NB: Please note that the stories in this collection deal with themes of racism, and include some offensive language that reflects racist attitudes Production creditsTo Sir with LoveRick – Kwame Kwei-ArmahGillian – Sasha BeharWeston – Simon TrevesClinty – Liza SadovyFlorian – Sam DaleDenham – Steven WebbPam – Clare CorbettSeales – Ashley ChinPotter – Freddy WhiteBabs – Leanne RoweDramatised by Roy WilliamsProduced and directed by Claire GroveFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 August 2007-2 September 2007Paid ServantRick – Kwame Kwei-ArmahMr Bentham – Jimmy AklngbolaMrs Bentham – Clare PerkinsJim – John RoweMrs Larkin – Lisa StevensonMr Larkin – Chris PavloEllesworth – Nyasha HatendiElla – Liz SutherlandMatron – Joan WalkerRoddy – Cara HallsAbridged by Anne EdyveanDirected by Jessica DrumgooleFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9-13 June 2008Choice of StrawsJack – Harry HeppleDave – Luke NorrisMichelle – Gugu Mbatha-RawMum – Ellie HaddingtonDad – David HargreavesRuth – Annabelle DowlerMr Spencer – Alex LanipekunPolice officer – Stephen HoganDramatised by Roy WilliamsProduced and directed by Claire GroveFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 September 2009© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd