R2OK!

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6814

Radio 4.

Turning Point: Wasps in a Jam Jar by Jonathan Maitland.

Elspeth was married to Geoffrey Howe. She was the complete opposite of the other woman in his life, Margaret Thatcher. Elspeth was Chair of the Broadcasting Standards Commission and a vocal supporter of the homeless. She was a feminist, whereas Mrs Thatcher thought a woman's place was in the home. This rivalry played a substantial part in Geoffrey Howe's famous resignation speech in 1990. Arguably the speech was a major turning point in contemporary history. It meant the end of Mrs Thatcher. But most significant of all, the European battle lines in the Conservative Party were indelibly drawn that day. There's a straight line from that speech to the Brexit referendum. This comedy drama by journalist Jonathan Maitland dramatises the events leading up to the speech.

Didn't know any of the background to this speech so this was, for me, a very enjoyable listen.

I remember listening to the actual speech on the day and feeling my jaw dropping further and further as Geoffrey Howe carried on, in his quiet way, demolishing Thatcher.

Very satisfying for me.

Excellent cast

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001msr5