Afternoon Play - Mandrake

Irene, an old woman threatens her new neighbour with a scythe when he suggests cutting down a tree which is on his land. Irene claims that her husband is buried under the tree- "to cut the branches would be to cut his limbs." But the tree is around a hundred years old. Ruth, a social worker is called in to assess Irene's mental health and ability to look after herself. But as she gets to know Irene she is drawn into a strange and magical tale that will change her life forever. Cast: Irene ..... Sara Kestelman Ruth ......Martina Laird Poppy .......Kate Aspinall Aiden ..... Hugh Ross Nick ...... Nicholas Boulton Written and directed by Anita Sullivan Music by Sara Harrison Producer: Karen Rose A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.