The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Frequently cited as one of the great works of 20th-Century American fiction, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter is Carson McCullers’ remarkable first novel, published to instant acclaim when she was just 23. Set in the 1930s, in a small mill town in the middle of America’s Deep South, it tells the story of Mick Kelly, a tomboy with a passion for music who dreams of buying a piano. On the cusp of womanhood, she is desperate to grow up, and feels misunderstood by everyone around her. So when lonely deaf-mute John Singer comes to stay as a lodger in Mick’s house, she is drawn to his kindness and sympathetic nature, and confides her secret hopes, dreams and ambitions to him. But she is not the only person in town to become fascinated by Singer. Biff Brannon, the owner of the café where Singer eats every day; Doctor Copeland, an idealistic black doctor disturbed by racism and injustice; angry alcoholic Jake Blount – all pour out their hearts to him, seeking connection. He, in turn, transforms their disenchanted lives in ways they could never imagine… Dramatised by poet and playwright Amanda Dalton, this powerful exploration of loneliness, alienation and the human need to love and be loved stars Coco Green as Mick and David Bower as Singer. Cast Mick Kelly ..... Coco Green Bubber ..... Aaron Gelkoff John Singer ..... David Bower Biff Brannon ..... Michael S. Siegel Jake Blount ..... Andonis Anthony Alice Brannon ..... Laurel Lefkow Portia Jones ..... Anna Jobarteh Dr Benedict Copeland..... Delroy Brown Etta Kelly ..... Lily Green Willie Copeland/Deputy Sheriff..... Tachia Newall Harry Minowitz ..... Eric Sirakian Dramatised by Amanda Dalton Directed by Susan Roberts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-22 March 2020