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Topic: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018

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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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Yes, perhaps you're right Maghat (sorry only just saw your comment) about Connie. To me she came across as a very cool , strong woman, who had strong views on science and everything having a scientific explanation, but also with a lovely curiosity with it, and is not afraid to challenge views or the people who hold them. For me, her relationship with Tristan was also about the challenging of her own views, on how she has an unwillingness to take on board other ideas maybe, or being on a knife edge trying to hold on to them? Tristan was all about getting her to challenge herself.. and he seemed to want her to see how she was restricting herself with rigid thinking, especially when it came to matters of the heart.  He took it upon himself to liberate her didn't he? Lol. I am remaining open minded and just enjoy the exploration of that. Connie seems tragic in that way as her set way of thinking is a great protection from getting hurt...and from taking risks? Tristan wanted her to live now and tell him what she's thinking. She was more closed? When she made the comment about the laughing / throat it was a great example of her having a scientific explanation for everything.. she's already decided what it is, love, .. and Tristan's challenge of that. it felt more ambiguous, like, this is my view and it is correct but also that tiny glimmer of uncertainty where she somewhere knew it was slipping away from her. Or maybe I am superimposing that. I guess that is the beauty of art and subjective interpretation. Their relationship was a really good exploration of all of that...

 



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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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Maghat wrote:
Damien Molony Forum wrote:

Woohoo!

'The Effect' is the BBC Radio 4 Drama of the week on (feat.POD PLAYS)

It is available for 29 days on demand and you can

DOWNLOAD (& KEEP IT!) HERE !

 


 

I've never managed to get the download feature to work when we're out of the country, just "listen on demand". Be interested to hear whether anyone's managed to download to listen offline from outside the UK.


  I am hoping because it is a podcast rather than a programme that it is downloadable worldwide, according to iplayer radio help most podcasts are.



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Damiac
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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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I can totally see why this is an 'award-winning' play! I thought it was fantastic and found it really thought provoking.  I totally agree with every word of this...

 

Damien Molony Forum wrote:



The Effect is also a masterclass in cleverly blending the personal and the political. Issues and questions are raised so seamlessly, for me anyway. What better way to raise awareness than with an immersive piece if art like this? Just recalling some of the reviews of 'The Hard Problem' criticised it for being like an essay of ideas and less accessible than it could have been. The Effect is not like that at all and yet it powerfully addresses issues of drug development, clinical trials, psychiatry, love.. and much much more besides.

What was it Connie said, "we are our bodies, our bodies are us" - the play could be said to be science vs spirituality debate but it wasn't that - although those ideas were definitely running throughout - it was a very and humanely immersive way of exploring themes without being a 'debate'.


 Although literally my only crisicism would be that the discovery that Tristan believed in God was not only somewhat unbelievable, but also rather pointless - it seemed to me a bit of a self conscious allusion to the 'science vs sprituality debate' considering that it wasn't mentioned again....

I was struck by the laughter thing too (and agree that I do laugh out loud when I'm alone, but wouldn't dismiss the social/cultural implications of laughter when in company.....) but basically put that down to Connie's capacity to overthink everything.  She seems to have to analyse everything - including her own motives/actions...as demonstrated by her incapacity to answer the question about the success of the dry cleaners

 "Tristan was all about getting her to challenge herself.. and he seemed to want her to see how she was restricting herself with rigid thinking, especially when it came to matters of the heart.  He took it upon himself to liberate her didn't he?"  Yes!!  

I have only listened to it once, but am surprised by how quickly I felt I understood these characters, and became invested in them. When it was revealed that Tristan was on a placebo I flipped from being pleased that his infatuation seemed genuine, to being really quite alarmed and upset that he was apparently a total git!!  and I'm now wondering if it should have been obvious that he really was taking a drug!?! 

It worked really well as a radio play - I wonder if it had been adapted at all from the stage version? I'm not at all convinced that actually seeing it would really add very much. Although obviously I would very happily go and see Damien in it biggrin. And it would make a pretty good tv drama too..... I'm not sure why (except for the obvious reasons!) but listening to this really made me want to see Damien on my telly....... Tristan is exactly the sort of part I would like to see him in on tv.

Thanks for the heads up about the download domino. Sweet!!!

 



-- Edited by fifi on Saturday 3rd of February 2018 07:27:11 PM



-- Edited by fifi on Saturday 3rd of February 2018 07:27:45 PM

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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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fifi wrote:

 

 

 Although literally my only crisicism would be that the discovery that Tristan believed in God was not only somewhat unbelievable, but also rather pointless - it seemed to me a bit of a self conscious allusion to the 'science vs sprituality debate' considering that it wasn't mentioned again....

 

Oh yes! I'm not sure I minded Tristan believing in God but it did seem odd somehow and not necessary for the 'debate' - almost made it too black and white and less nuanced somehow? 

 

 

I have only listened to it once, but am surprised by how quickly I felt I understood these characters, and became invested in them. When it was revealed that Tristan was on a placebo I flipped from being pleased that his infatuation seemed genuine, to being really quite alarmed and upset that he was apparently a total git!!  and I'm now wondering if it should have been obvious that he really was taking a drug!?! 

 

Lol! I haven't fully sunk into my feelings on that revelation, but I think I had that too.. but I also felt a level of compassion for him with the realisation in he was obvs also a less 'sorted' and more tragic character...

 

It worked really well as a radio play - I wonder if it had been adapted at all from the stage version? I'm not at all convinced that actually seeing it would really add very much. Although obviously I would very happily go and see Damien in it biggrin. And it would make a pretty good tv drama too..... I'm not sure why (except for the obvious reasons!) but listening to this really made me want to see Damien on my telly....... Tristan is exactly the sort of part I would like to see him in on tv.

Thanks for the heads up about the download domino. Sweet!!!

 Oh.. me too fifi, me too! I did have a mega craving for Damien on the tv.. especially for some reason the scene when they snuck out and got caught.

And you're very welcome!

 


 



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Molonian
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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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Well, I believe in God so have no problem with Tristan believing also. Lots of scientists believe in god, belief and science are not mutually exclusive. I just saw it as a way of making a point - we assume those we love or just get along with really well will feel as we do about most things and it can be a shock to find out they don't.
I've just listened to it again, using the podcast link. Surprisingly enough i found it even better second time round. Knowing what would happen didn't bother me (I often re-read books), I felt I could give it more attention.
Felt terribly sad at the end. Lorna was responsible for so much through lack of professionalism. She didn't ensure Tristan and Connie were kept apart after she found them in the old asylum - and what was with the "you may be pregnant but here are some tampons". Her telling Connie Tristan wasn't on the drug shocked me as much as it did first time round. Still don't know what was in Connie's mind when she forced Tristan to have her pill, though - was it just a way of not taking it herself? But it gave him double the maximum safe dose as he wasnt actually a control. This was the cause of him ending up in hospital with Transient Global Amnesia (which I had to look up as I'd never heard of it before). The cynic in me knew exactly what Sam West's character meant when he said Tristan hadn't disclosed childhood seizures - "oh, good, we won't have to pay compensation". Because Tristan was on the drug his actions, including his violence and aggression, were probably caused by that.
I felt sad at the end - how would Tristan feel when his memory was better? Would be still have feelings for Connie or would that turn out to be an effect rather than reality for him? At least Lorna was getting some of the help she desperately needed, though.


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Ellie the play is terribly sad at the end.. I felt compassion for all involved actually. Lots of levels to digest, I am not sure I have formed an opinion on the shoulds or shouldn'ts.. happy to leave that mixed up in the air for now.

I can't speak for fifi but for me my comment in response about Tristan's belief in god had nothing to do with a moral statement on spirituality or religion, or on my own beliefs, or on anyone else's, rather how it felt in the context of this play and this character. If there is one thing I've learned in my online life is to steer clear of personal discussion of religion and politics in a discussion groups!

There are so many points raised by this play it is hard to grasp or comment on them all. But you raise an interesting question "how would Tristan feel when his memory was better? Would be still have feelings for Connie or would that turn out to be an effect rather than reality for him?" One thing that keeps popping into my mind is the effects of 'being in a trial' irrespective of the drugs..



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Team DaMo
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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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Lots of good points here! I'm going to zoom in on Ellie's "Would he still have feelings for Connie or would that turn out to be an effect rather than reality for him?"

I'd like to believe he would still have feelings for Connie - the attraction started before they started taking the drug (that very funny scene with the urine samples) so there was something happening before there was any question of side effects. It could be that Tristan just flirted with anybody and Connie was the only female there but it felt more than that, somehow.



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The play was picked out on Radio 4's Pick of the Week yesterday - starts just after 24:00 here



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Domino, totally agree on the different formats between Tis Pity and The Effect.  I think I watched the "Gifs" and video (when it was available) for Tis Pity that I was visualizing a lot of that.  With the Effect I found myself smiling a lot because I didn't have any kind of visual reference and I think my imagination did it justice.  I'm very new to the "Radio" listening so I'm totally new to the experience but loving every moment of it.  I've tried to go back and re-listen to some of his other works but alas many are no longer available.  I'll get caught up yet!!!



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Yes, the connection between Connie and Tristan appeared to begin before the drug part of the trial started. But could it be argued that the environment itself has an effect, being in an artificial, isolated, context, knowing that is where you are going to be for weeks, right from the get go? Everything is heightened and amplified.. But I would like to think if Connie and Tristan had met in the real world and began talking for some reason there would also be a spark...

Susan, how wonderful that Damien's work is introducing you to the wonderful world of radio drama! There are several of the drama on 3 plays available at the moment not all with Damien but all wonderful. In case you have missed, you may enjoy the DMF audio gallery with a few of Damien's different projects here 



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Damien Molony Forum wrote:

Susan, how wonderful that Damien's work is introducing you to the wonderful world of radio drama! There are several of the drama on 3 plays available at the moment not all with Damien but all wonderful...


 

And if you don't always have two hours to invest, you could explore the world of afternoon drama on Radio 4 - they're 45 minutes each at 2:15 BST and although they're not always to my taste, there are some brilliant ones too. Last Thursday's (1st Feb) "The Red" is a standout for me.

Interesting thought about the "hot house" environment created by the trial conditions, Domino.



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Only 8 days left to listen and DOWNLOAD The Effect!

Available worldwide - Don't miss it! 

THE EFFECT - LISTEN & DOWNLOAD

 



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MOLONIANS!

Just 1 DAY LEFT to

LISTEN & DOWNLOAD 'THE EFFECT'

Don't miss it - this one is a keeper!



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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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I've listened to The Effect 3 times now and something new pops out every time. There are certain elements of suspense that can't be there after you know where certain characters are at the end, but the play gets more thought provoking and deep with each listen.

Has anyone else had a re-listen?

 

 



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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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I‘m playing catch-up on DaMo’s radio work this year. This was thoroughly enjoyable, although as our dear Lady Mary would say, a bit of a mind fuck!  This definitely had elements of The Hard Problem, tacking issues of ethics and policy, and further mental health, beliefs, blending with science, but it had a more personable approach. I think that’s both due to the writing itself which doesn’t try to be overly scientific, but also with the fact that it is a more intimate setting. In the end, I want to say it’s a story of love conquering all.  Connie is no longer on the drug but is Tristan’s patient caretaker, wanting to make a life with him. The way she talks to him is warm and genuine. Tristan is helpless with amnesia, yet through the time even when he remembers nothing else, he says “you’re the one I know”.  He feels that connection even if he can’t remember her.  And Lorna finds the strength to take her medication after the other scientist - his name escapes me - told her he loved her. 



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Sadly, the Youtube video with The Effect has been removed, I hope everyone had a chance to listen in the end? Fingers crossed BBC 3 air it again at some point, it is too much of an incredible play and production to never be heard again. fingerscrossed

Whimsy, no idea why I didn't see your post here, what a great recap. The other Dr's name was Toby Sealey. You've made me want to listen to this again so badly.

I just stumbled across this fantastic blog review from Partially Obstructed View

theeffectreview.jpg

 



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The Effect is available to listen to on the BBC radio iplayer again!

Click below to listen - worldwide!

listen

BBC Drama on 3 | The Effect

theeffectlistennow.png



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DMF
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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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This really is astonishing. Every time I listen to it

Still available on the bbc radio iplayer worldwide



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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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'The Effect' is still available to listen to - worldwide!
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

listen

radio

The Effect | BBC Radio 3



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DMF
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The Effect is airing again, 9.10pm tonight on BBC Radio 3!
 
(Listen worldwide)
listen
radio





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Molonian
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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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unfortunately you couldn't download it this time. And I didn't have time to hear it.

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RE: Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2
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Hi Sana

Not to worry, all of Damien's radio plays are always available to listen to on the iplayer afterwards, worldwide!

If you've not heard it before you are in for a real treat, this is a powerful and poignant play, with great performances.

Click below to listen!

listen

radio

Listen Now | Drama on 3 | The Effect 

 

theeffectiplayer2.jpg

 



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It's great to see The Effect is still available to listen (worldwide!)

Perfect for a rainy weekend

listen

radio

Listen Now | Drama on 3 | The Effect 



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Molonian
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Damien Molony stars in award-winning 'chemical romance' 'The Effect' - Lucy Pebble play | BBC Radio 3 | 28 January 2018
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I just wish the BBC would put it on Audible 👂, then I could listen to it anytime I wanted😀

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Ellie it is still on the iplayer - which you can get on a phone /tablet app as well as a pc / laptop so you can listen anytime you want for now!
I hope they leave it up for a long, long time



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