A story of adventure, optimism and opportunities, enhanced by an interview with Priestley’s son
Published in 1929 and J.B. Priestley’s first major international success, The Good Companions follows an unlikely trio seeking to escape their humdrum lives. Recounted in picaresque style Yorkshireman Jess Oakroyd leaves his job and family to seek work ‘down South’. On the road he meets wealthy spinster Elizabeth Trant, and along with unfulfilled music teacher Inigo Jollifant, joins the flagging concert troupe Miss Trant has decided to fund. The ‘Dinky Dogs’ become ‘The Good Companions’, travelling around the shires of England together, discovering adventure, new optimism and opportunities.
Rodney Bewes is an English television actor and writer famed for his role in The Likely Lads.
“As cheerfully escapist for today’s listeners as it was for readers when it first came out in 1929.”
the Times
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“Priestley was a grand writer…we should still listen to him, before time runs out…I am extremely pleased an effort is being made to re-kindle interest in this great writer.”
beryl Bainbridge
John Boynton Priestley (1894-1984) was a British novelist, playwright and broadcaster, who published 27 novels and numerous dramas including An Inspector Calls.