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Spoonface Steinberg

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Spoonface Steinberg

By: Lee Hall
Narrated by: Becky Simpson
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About this listen

The listener response to this play when it was first broadcast as part of the God’s Country series was overwhelming, and it has gone on to become an audio best seller. Performed by Becky Simpson, Spoonface Steinberg is about a young autistic Jewish girl who, learning that she is terminally ill, contemplates the meaning of life and death in a dramatic monologue interwoven with operatic extracts from the magical voice of Maria Callas. It was awarded Best Drama and Talkie of the Year at the 1997 Talkie Awards and was described by Gillian Reynolds in the Daily Telegraph as ‘Funny, intense and poetic’. By the author of Billy Elliott.

Written by Lee Hall. Lee Hall has asserted his moral rights (including the right to be identified as the author) in the Work. All rights reserved. Applications for performance or other use should be made to Judy Daish Associates Limited, 2 St Charles Place, London W10 6EG.

©2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2011 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Audio Performances & Dramatisations Drama & Plays Dramatisations Entertainment & Performing Arts European World Literature Funny
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Beautifully written and performed radio play, with opera by Maria Callas intertwined to punctuate the tragic and sweet nature of the narrative. I've yet to listen to any other Lee Hall for some reason, but this short masterpiece sure is worth the credit.

An all time favourite!

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I have listened to this reading more than once and never tire of it. It makes me smile, feel sad but always lifts my heart.

Beautiful, wistful and funny.

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Would you listen to Spoonface Steinberg again? Why?

I listened to this with my 11 year old son and his friend. We were all captivated by the story and the bravery of the child who is terminally ill. Seeing the world through her eyes was a revelational moment for two boys in the rudest of health. They could not leave the car until the story ended!

Who was your favorite character and why?

We all loved the lady who helps in the Steinbergs house. She was there for spoonface, non judgemental and warm at all times.

Which character – as performed by Becky Simpson – was your favourite?

Spoonface - the dominant character in the story

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

An unforgettable story of life as seen through the eyes of a dying child

Any additional comments?

A must listen to book. Just loved it

Superb story

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This is one if my all time favorite radio plays, and I have been trying to get it on digital for quite a few years. It is a heartbreaking account of a terminally ill young girl told through her eyes, about how she makes peace with her predicament through listening to beautiful operas. It may sound like a very tough going subject, but it contains such moving thoughts accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful music of Maria callas, that you will smile with joy as much as cry by the time it finishes. I cannot recommend this enough, it is an absolute joy to have this in my collection, worth joining audible just to hear it again, 11 out of 10

Modern classic radio play

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