Shelagh Delaney's Lost Play Catch Me Who Can Is a Gem 2026

Shelagh Delaney's long-lost play, Catch Me Who Can, about a teenage truant, has resurfaced as a captivating audio drama—a true little gem. Written by the acclaimed playwright behind A Taste of Honey, this 30-minute piece was recently discovered by Delaney's daughter, Charlotte, after her mother's death in 2011. Now adapted for audio, it offers a fresh glimpse into Delaney's genius and her exploration of youth, freedom, and authority.

The Rediscovery of a Lost Play

For decades, Shelagh Delaney was celebrated for A Taste of Honey, but her other works, including screenplays like Charlie Bubbles and TV series such as The House That Jack Built, also showcased her talent. However, Catch Me Who Can remained hidden until Charlotte Delaney unearthed it. The play draws from real life: it imagines Charlotte's own experience as a 14-year-old runaway in 1978. As Charlotte explains, "It imagines my last few hours on the lam having run away from home and school when I was 14 in 1978. I was gone for three days and two nights. I'd suggest it's a racing certainty that the reason nothing has ever been heard of it is that it's about me and my mum had rules about that kind of thing." This personal connection adds depth to the play's themes of rebellion and familial bonds.

Plot and Characters

The play centers on a tense confrontation between Hattie (voiced by Ivy Sheehan), a teenage truant, and her maths teacher (Toby Jones), who encounters her while jogging in a park during a strike. Their exchange pits the teacher's world of order, discipline, and control against Hattie's yearning for freedom, anarchy, and self-expression. This dynamic captures the universal struggle between generations and the quest for identity.

Why Catch Me Who Can Matters

This rediscovered work is more than a curiosity; it's a testament to Delaney's enduring voice. The audio format breathes new life into the play, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the emotional intensity of the dialogue. The performances by Sheehan and Jones are riveting, conveying the raw emotions of their characters. As an audio drama, it highlights the power of sound to evoke setting and mood, making the park and the characters' inner turmoil palpable.

Comparison with Other Lost Works

Lost plays often resurface to great fanfare, but Catch Me Who Can stands out for its intimate scale and autobiographical roots. Unlike epic discoveries, this piece is a chamber work, focusing on a single encounter that resonates deeply. Its brevity—just 30 minutes—makes it a concentrated dose of Delaney's wit and insight.

Key Takeaways

• Rediscovery: The play was found by Delaney's daughter and adapted for audio.
• Autobiographical: It draws from Charlotte's teenage runaway experience.
• Themes: Explores freedom vs. authority through a teenage truant and her teacher.
• Performances: Ivy Sheehan and Toby Jones deliver compelling voice acting.
• Legacy: Adds to Delaney's reputation beyond A Taste of Honey.

FAQ

In conclusion, Catch Me Who Can is a delightful addition to Shelagh Delaney's oeuvre. Its journey from lost manuscript to audio gem highlights the timelessness of her writing and the personal stories that shaped it. For fans of Delaney and lovers of compelling drama, this is a must-listen.

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