Middle England By Jonathan Coe

Episode

First
Broadcast

Comments

20181119

'It was tempting to think, at times like this, that some bizarre hysteria had gripped the British people.'

Jonathan Coe's 2018 novel, is about the lead up to Brexit. His previous work includes What a Carve Up! and The Rotter's Club.

Beginning in 2010, on the outskirts of Birmingham, car factories have been replaced by pound shops. Meanwhile in London, riots give way to Olympic fever.

Newlyweds Ian and Sophie are on either side of the Referendum debate; Doug, the left-wing journalist writes about austerity from his Chelsea townhouse, and his radical teenage daughter will stop at nothing in her quest for social justice; Benjamin Trotter, attempts a new career in middle age, and his father Colin's final wish is to vote to leave the EU.

Episode 1: 2010: on the eve of the election, Gordon Brown calls a member of the public ' a bigoted woman', and the Potter family reconvene after their mother's funeral.

Reader: Jeff Rawle

Abridger: Richard Hamilton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Jonathan Coe's comic novel about Brexit Britain read by Jeff Rawle.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181120

Jonathan Coe's novel paints a portrait of modern England in the run up to Brexit. A country of nostalgia and delusion and of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Episode 2: Coalition Banter

Political journalist Doug meets the new Coalition spin doctor and Sophie finds herself on a speed awareness course in Birmingham.

Reader: Jeff Rawle

Abridger: Richard Hamilton

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Comic and yet poignant portrait of Brexit Britain, read by Jeff Rawle.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181121

London 2011. There are riots in the capital and the issue of immigration rears its ugly head.

Jonathan Coe's satire about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Beginning before the 2010 election, on the outskirts of Birmingham, where car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and London, where riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

Producer Justine Willett

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

London 2011: riots in the capital and the immigration issue rears its ugly head.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181122

London 2012 sees Coalition banter in the Rose Garden, the aftermath of the riots and Olympic fever kicks off.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

2012 sees the aftermath of the riots - and Olympic fever.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181123

Sophie hears home truths' from a group of Middle Englanders when she goes on a cruise.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Sophie meets some Middle Englanders on board a cruise.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181126

2015 and manifestos are launched, Cameron promises an EU Referendum - and the Conservatives unexpectedly win the election.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged in ten parts by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

David Cameron rolls the dice. Satirical novel about Brexit Britain read by Jeff Rawle.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181127

2016 - David Cameron sets a date for the EU Referendum, and then Sophie and Ian realise they're very much on opposing sides of the debate.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

A date is set for the UK's Referendum on the European Union.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181128

Benjamin finally makes a decision on the Referendum, and Colin Trotter walks to the postbox to cast his postal vote.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Brexit divides the generations.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181129

Chaos reigns as Sophie and Ian cannot agree and the Tory spin doctor Nigel, finally loses it.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Read by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Brexit chaos. Sophie and Ian can't agree.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

20181130

2017- with Brexit looming, Benjamin and Lois move to France.

Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton.

Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change.

It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage.

Concluded by Jeff Rawle.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018.

Brexit is looming. Conclusion of Jonathan Coe's satirical novel.

Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.

Episodes

Episode	First Broadcast	Comments
01	20181119	'It was tempting to think, at times like this, that some bizarre hysteria had gripped the British people.' Jonathan Coe's 2018 novel, is about the lead up to Brexit. His previous work includes What a Carve Up! and The Rotter's Club. Beginning in 2010, on the outskirts of Birmingham, car factories have been replaced by pound shops. Meanwhile in London, riots give way to Olympic fever. Newlyweds Ian and Sophie are on either side of the Referendum debate; Doug, the left-wing journalist writes about austerity from his Chelsea townhouse, and his radical teenage daughter will stop at nothing in her quest for social justice; Benjamin Trotter, attempts a new career in middle age, and his father Colin's final wish is to vote to leave the EU. Episode 1: 2010: on the eve of the election, Gordon Brown calls a member of the public ' a bigoted woman', and the Potter family reconvene after their mother's funeral. Reader: Jeff Rawle Abridger: Richard Hamilton First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Jonathan Coe's comic novel about Brexit Britain read by Jeff Rawle. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
02	20181120	Jonathan Coe's novel paints a portrait of modern England in the run up to Brexit. A country of nostalgia and delusion and of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Episode 2: Coalition Banter Political journalist Doug meets the new Coalition spin doctor and Sophie finds herself on a speed awareness course in Birmingham. Reader: Jeff Rawle Abridger: Richard Hamilton First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Comic and yet poignant portrait of Brexit Britain, read by Jeff Rawle. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
03	20181121	London 2011. There are riots in the capital and the issue of immigration rears its ugly head. Jonathan Coe's satire about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Beginning before the 2010 election, on the outskirts of Birmingham, where car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and London, where riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. Producer Justine Willett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. London 2011: riots in the capital and the immigration issue rears its ugly head. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
04	20181122	London 2012 sees Coalition banter in the Rose Garden, the aftermath of the riots and Olympic fever kicks off. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. 2012 sees the aftermath of the riots - and Olympic fever. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
05	20181123	Sophie hears home truths' from a group of Middle Englanders when she goes on a cruise. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Sophie meets some Middle Englanders on board a cruise. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
06	20181126	2015 and manifestos are launched, Cameron promises an EU Referendum - and the Conservatives unexpectedly win the election. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged in ten parts by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. David Cameron rolls the dice. Satirical novel about Brexit Britain read by Jeff Rawle. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
07	20181127	2016 - David Cameron sets a date for the EU Referendum, and then Sophie and Ian realise they're very much on opposing sides of the debate. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. A date is set for the UK's Referendum on the European Union. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
08	20181128	Benjamin finally makes a decision on the Referendum, and Colin Trotter walks to the postbox to cast his postal vote. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Brexit divides the generations. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
09	20181129	Chaos reigns as Sophie and Ian cannot agree and the Tory spin doctor Nigel, finally loses it. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Read by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Brexit chaos. Sophie and Ian can't agree. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.
10	20181130	2017- with Brexit looming, Benjamin and Lois move to France. Jonathan Coe's satirical novel about Brexit Britain. Abridged by Richard Hamilton. Car factories have been replaced by pound shops, and in London riots give way to Olympic fever, Middle England follows a Britain through a time of mind-boggling change. It paints a portrait of modern England up to Brexit: a country of nostalgia and delusion; of bewilderment and barely-suppressed rage. Concluded by Jeff Rawle. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2018. Brexit is looming. Conclusion of Jonathan Coe's satirical novel. Jonathan Coe's new novel for our strange new times, read by Jeff Rawle.