Alfie by Bill Naughton (Downloadable audio ISBN 9780857864147) book cover

Available as Downloadable audio

The story of an unrepentant ladies’ man who gradually begins to understand the consequences of his lifestyle. Read by Jason Flemyng.

Alfie sees himself as a “Romeo”, a ladies’ man who loves ‘em and leaves ‘em - but underneath the cheeky humour is the poignancy of a young man who cannot find peace of mind. “And if you haven’t got that you’ve got nothing.” as he tells the listener in that direct and familiar style made famous by Michael Caine in the 1960s film. Jason Flemyng - star of Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels - is the ideal choice to deliver Bill Naughton’s brilliant dialogue, and proves himself a natural “successor” to the earlier Alfie!
Originally a radio show, then a stage play, and finally a book by the talented writer Bill Naughton before the character was immortalised by Michael Caine and then Jude Law on the screen. With an overwhelming desire for the opposite sex, Alfie cannot resist as many as three “birds” on one night. But underneath the surface fun and humour, consequences unfurl, and Naughton paints Alfie as ultimately a sad figure.


Bill Naughton

A writer of plays novels, short stories and children’s books, Bill Naughton, 1910-1992, is most famous for Alfie. Two other plays Spring and Port Wine, and James Mason were also made into films. Naughton settled in Bolton, and many of his plays were performed at the Octagon theatre there. A studio space there is named after him.