Radio/Audiobook Review: 5 Days in May

Five Days in May is a radio drama created by Matthew Solon. It was originally aired on BBC Radio 4 back in late 2010, but has been re-released on Audible in a collected edition. This review is intended to be free of spoilers, but none of us are perfect. I purchased this for myself, and no review copy was provided.

Blurb:

Written by Matthew Solon. Under extreme pressure and suffering from lack of sleep, the politicians argued and negotiated. There was nothing inevitable about a Conservative Liberal Democrat coalition. Revealing key moments of the negotiations, the drama unpicks what went on behind closed doors and shows how an allegiance between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat gradually formed, and how it withstood the resignation of Gordon Brown.

Based on pain-staking research, this is a must-listen 60-minutes – a compelling and entertaining dramatic retelling of the most extraordinary British election outcome in 70 years.

Review:

BBC Radio 4’s Five Days in May, written by Matthew Solon, is a masterful dramatisation of the tense negotiations that followed the 2010 UK general election, leading to the formation of the country’s first post-war coalition government. This 60-minute play captures the high-stakes political maneuvering and personal dynamics behind closed doors, offering listeners a compelling glimpse into a pivotal moment in British history.

The drama unfolds over the five days of intense discussions between the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Labour Party, as they grapple with the hung parliament’s implications. The story is based on meticulous research, including interviews with those present at the negotiations and political journalists. It reveals the key moments and turning points that shaped the eventual Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, while also exploring the human side of the politicians involved. The resignation of Gordon Brown adds an emotional layer to the narrative, highlighting the personal sacrifices and pressures faced by those in power.

The cast delivers exceptional performances, bringing authenticity and depth to their roles. Samuel West shines as David Cameron, portraying the future Prime Minister’s calculated determination with nuance. Nicholas Boulton captures Nick Clegg’s idealism and pragmatism, while the late, great Gerard Kelly delivers a poignant portrayal of Gordon Brown, balancing his resilience with moments of vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Henry Goodman as Peter Mandelson and the amazingly talented late impressionist, John Sessions as Ed Balls, adds richness to the ensemble, making every character memorable. Here’s a full list of the cast:

David Cameron: Samuel West
Nick Clegg: Nicholas Boulton
Gordon Brown: Gerard Kelly
Peter Mandleson: Henry Goodman
Ed Balls: John Sessions
William Hague: Philip Jackson
Danny Alexander: Emun Elliot
David Laws: Anthony Calf
Chris Huhne: Rupert Frazer
George Osborne: Ian Hughes

Other parts are played by Charlotte Longfield, Wilf Gilmour and members of the cast.

Produced and directed by John Dryden, Five Days in May benefits from Goldhawk Essential’s signature attention to detail. The sound design immerses listeners in the high-pressure environment of political negotiations, with subtle audio cues enhancing the drama. The pacing is tight, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging throughout.

Five Days in May is a must-listen for anyone interested in politics, history, or human drama. It not only sheds light on a critical moment in modern British history but also offers a timeless exploration of power, compromise, and leadership under pressure. It’s surreal to think that the events depicted in this drama happened a decade and a half ago, and how different the world, and our political landscape, looks today.