Play for Tomorrow

Synopsis

Documentary series telling original stories about real lives in Britain today.

Three sixth formers have the summer to get their band back on track after the bass player and best mate walks out on them.

Nick, Christian and Lawrence are all 17 and have lived most of their lives in Grimsby. The closest of friends, they had hoped to spend the summer gigging with their band, Socio Republic. But bassist Reece has just decided he no longer wants to be part of the group. The remaining trio are left shell-shocked by their friend's decision and the future of the band is cast into serious doubt.

Alan Dein presents an intimate story of friendship under pressure as the three 'in-betweeners' - not yet men, no longer boys - spend a long wet summer trying to fill Reece's shoes and get some gigs. Yet the weeks pass and the lads - heartbroken and mystified by Reece's departure - are still without a new bass player. But, as Lawrence says, 'good things have to end for better things to begin'. The relentless rain brings on severe boredom and the lads seem paralysed.

The three are aware that the clock is ticking. University beckons in a year - when, once again, their friendships will be put to the test.

Broadcast

1. Fri 6 Nov 2009
   11:00
   BBC Radio 4