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:

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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'.

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 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 . 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

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.

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.

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!!!

Damien Molony Forum wrote:

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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...

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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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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. 

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

Click below to listen - worldwide!

BBC Drama on 3 | The Effect

 

'The Effect' is still available to listen to - worldwide!
Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

The Effect | BBC Radio 3

unfortunately you couldn't download it this time. And I didn't have time to hear it.

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

Perfect for a rainy weekend

Listen Now | Drama on 3 | The Effect