Monday’s Afternoon Play is a comedy drama telling the story of Craig, a soldier stationed on a British military base in Basra.
Craig is cynical, sarcastic and witty, unlike his old friend, Sean, who played football with him in the Manchester United junior squad.
Both were talented but, from the selector’s point of view, Craig did not make the grade. Sean went on to become a star of the Premier League, and, when Craig was dropped from the squad, he joined the Army.
On Craig’s first day in Basra he finds himself having his hair cut by Mahmoud, a mouthy Iraqi barber and an atheist who shares his passion for football with the padre.
They are both obsessive Manchester United fans. Craig hoped joining the Army would take him away from the talk of how he could have been as good as Sean, but, somehow, it has followed him to Basra.
The cast includes Daniel Abelson, Paul Chahidi, Alan Coveney, Sheila Hannon, Freddy White, Chris New, Stefan Kalipha and Jonjo O’Neill.
Afternoon Play � On The Field Monday 10 September 2.15-3.00pm BBC RADIO 4