Oleanna, The Duck Variations & more

Synopsis

A collection of dramas by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author David MametA novelist, playwright, filmmaker and director, David Mamet ranks among America’s most famous living writers. He has penned more than 40 stage plays and over 20 screenplays, won numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross, and was twice nominated for an Academy Award. Included here is one of his best-known plays, Oleanna, along with five pieces from earlier in his career – all featuring his trademark sharp, edgy dialogue that has come to be known as ‘Mamet-speak’.Oleanna – University student Carol visits her professor for help, then accuses him of sexual harassment. What follows is an explosive power struggle that threatens to destroy them both… An incendiary exploration of gender, class, education and perception, Mamet’s provocative 1992 play divided audiences, and remains equally controversial today. This compelling adaptation stars Mark Bonnar and Cecilia Appiah, who won an Audio Drama Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Carol.The Woods – Spending the weekend at a lakeside cabin, a young couple test their relationship to breaking point over a night of storytelling, arguments, passion and violence. Robert Bowman stars as Nick and Lisa Orgolini as Ruth in this brilliant ‘battle of the sexes’ drama.Joseph Dintenfass – In the New England countryside, Joseph has received visitors for the weekend. Late at night only Claire remains awake with him, and while she seems to offer a sexual relationship, in reality she is seeking something more. David Mamet’s one-act two-hander stars Edward Herrman and Jane Bertish.Prairie du chien – 1910, and on a night train heading West through Wisconsin, a card game flares into violence, and a haunting story of love, murder and the paranormal unfolds… Starring Lee Montague, Michael Feast, William Hootkin and John Higgins.The Duck Variations – One of the plays that launched Mamet’s career in the 1970s, this philosophical drama centres around two old men who meet on a bench overlooking the lake in a North American park. Their conversation encompasses not merely the habits of ducks, but also human nature. Cyril Shaps stars as George, with Harry Towb as Emil.Almost Done – A recollection of a cold walk through the snow leads a young mother-to-be to contemplate the stories she will hand down to her child. Susannah Fellows performs this pensive monologue on time, memory and ageing.Text copyright © 1972 (The Duck Variations), 1977 (The Woods), 1978 (Prairie du chien), 1979 (Almost Done), 1985 (Joseph Dintenfass), 1992 (Oleanna)All rights reservedCast and creditsWritten by David MametOleannaJohn – Mark BonnarCarol – Cecilia AppiahProduced and directed by Gary BrownProduction Co-ordinator: Lorna NewmanSound Design: Sharon HughesTechnical Producer: Alison CraigThe WoodsNick – Robert BowmanRuth – Lisa OrgoliniAdapted and produced by Hilary NorrishProduction Assistant: Joanna HopperJoseph DintenfassJoseph – Edward HerrmannClaire – Jane BertishDirected by Ned ChailletPrairie du chienThe Storyteller – Lee MontagueCard dealer – Michael FeastGin player – William HootkinsPorter – Joseph MydellListener – Jon HigginsListener’s son – Christopher L MartinDirected by Andy JordanThe Duck VariationsEmil – Harry TowbGeorge – Cyril ShapsDirected by Ronald MasonAlmost DonePerformed by Susannah FellowsProduced by Stuart Owen© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd