Sunbird

What would you do if your 20-something boyfriend turned out to be the son of your long-lost holiday romance? And then the dad reappeared? Welcome to Lizzie’s dilemma in a wry and playful comedy, from leading audio dramatist, Christopher William Hill. Most middle-aged people will admit, publicly or privately, to harbouring wistful thoughts about a past romance – what if we found that special person again?

Lizzie has spent her whole life running from disastrous relationships, much to the frustration of her older, more ‘sorted’, sister Chloe. At the age of 52, she goes back to Ibiza to lick her wounds after another failed love affair, and unexpectedly finds romance with a younger man, Josh. Then it gets even more complicated, when her former fling from 30 years ago, Danny, reappears, and they pick up where they left off.

Despairing of her ‘problem sister’, Chloe flies out to Ibiza to bring Lizzie home. But Lizzie’s got no intention of behaving. Suddenly free of her responsibilities back home (children, husband, job) Chloe gives in to her unexpected Ibizan holiday. The two sisters find themselves reconnecting and having more fun than they have since their last trip to the island 30 years ago.

In a startling twist, Lizzie realises that Danny and Josh are estranged father and son – she must chose one or the other. Should she pursue her romance with Josh or try again with Danny? Or is there another option?

However, Danny is struggling to make ends meet, relying on tourist tips to get by – he’s become a middle-aged no-hoper in a way that Lizzie never has. And Josh is showing every sign of growing up to become a deadbeat like his father, no matter what Lizzie might do to try and stop history repeating itself. If Lizzie can’t change Danny or Josh, maybe she can change herself?

Realising that she’s been viewing her past through rose coloured sunglasses, and that real life can never live up to fantasy, Lizzie has to make a choice… her decision is refreshingly unexpected.

Sunbird offers well observed, funny take on classic romantic comedy.

Lizzie ….. Lucy Speed
Chloe ….. Fenella Woolgar
Danny ….. Milo Twomey
Josh ….. Ashley Gerlach
Doctor ….. Jason Forbes

Writer: Christopher William Hill
Sound designer: Alisdair McGregor
Technical assistant: Antonia Gospel
Production Manager: Darren Spruce
Illustrator: Ed Duffill
Producer: Polly Thomas
Exec producer: Jon Sen

A Thomas Carter Projects production for BBC Radio 4