The Dwarfs [radio script] (1960)

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Harold Pinter

Radio script

English

Based on Pinter’s autobiographical novel of the same name that was composed between 1952 and 1956, but not published until 1990. The play was first written for radio, and later adapted for the stage, which forms the basis of the published text. The play – like the novel – is based on Pinter’s experiences as part of a group of friends in the Hackney of his youth. Len and Peter are drinking tea in Mark's flat at midnight. As Mark arrives the scene changes to Len's house. Len, a neurotic young man, is haunted by dwarfs. At great length he describes their extraordinary and seemingly nonsensical behaviour. The other two believe he gets too excited by life and his delusions. The explanation of Len's haunting is left in the air. 'The Dwarfs' was first performed as a BBC Radio play in 1960; it was staged at the New Arts Theatre (London) in 1963. This entry is for the radio script, which is unpublished but can be consulted in the British Library (see 'Resources').

Date of Composition: 1959 - 1960

Adapted From: The Dwarfs [novel] (1956)

Adapted Work Note:

Linked Works

The Dwarfs [novel]

The Dwarfs

Linked Places

No Linked places have been added to this work record yet.

Publishers

No publishers have been added to this work record yet.

Characters

Len (Age: late twenties, Male)

Len was based on Pinter's friend Mick Goldstein, who later wrote a response to The Dwarfs.

Pete (The Dwarfs) (Age: late twenties, Male)

Mark (The Dwarfs) (Age: late twenties, Male)

Resources

British Library Manuscript Collections. Pinter Archive. 'The Dwarfs'; [circa 1960-1966], Add MS 88880/1/19 (Paper-based)

Type: Archival holding

External Link: https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/data/gb58-addms88880/addms88880/1/19

This manuscript holding contains the unpublished radio script that Pinter adapted from his then unpublished novel.

Sources

David Blow, 'Hackney's Empire', Waterstones, Christmas 1990 catalogue, pp.46-7.

Waterstones, Christmas 1990 catalogue

Interview

From this interview with Harold Pinter we learn that the radio adaptation was begun in 1959.