Bill Naughton – författare

Just a year into marriage and with a young baby to care for, Joe is one of three million unemployed looking for work every day - when he'd much rather be spending time with his young wife, Madge. Both have secrets from their past that they are reluctant to share with each other, until an unexpected visitor appears who seems to know exactly what the future holds. LIGHTHEARTED INTERCOURSE is a tender, funny and intimate portrayal of a young couple living in 1920s Bolton, adjusting to married life and discussing their fears, anxieties and conflicting needs. It was unearthed from Bill Naughton's personal archive and reworked by David Thacker at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, where it received its world premiere in October 2012. A first-rate play, full of rare interest and moments of sublime comedy and exquisite sadness - almost in equal measure. - The Stage. First performed at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton,on 4th October 2012

Alfie's not really a bad guy. It's just that he has this overwhelming desire for the ladies. You might say that 'birds' are irresistible to him, sort of second nature. There's Ruby - 'A lust box in beautiful condition' ; Clare - 'You're all lathered in sweat, Alfie'; Siddie - 'My regular Thursday night bint, a bit leggy for my fancy, but you make a married woman laugh and you're halfway home'; and Annie - but who's counting? Certainly not Alfie. Three in one evening if necessary. And necessary is the right word...

Set in the early thirties, this excellent story for boys comes from an author who is better-known as a playwright and deals with the escapades of Corky and Ginger, two of the scores of Pony Boys employed to deliver light loads - a common sight in City streets in those days. In the later chapters the urge takes the boys to see the world and they head for Liverpool with the idea of getting jobs on a trawler. Written with humour and understanding, the book is authentic but never old fashioned.

In this collection of stories, Bill Naughton portrays a selection of characters, including truck drivers, Irish itinerants and lamp lighters, in his inimitable pithy style. While each tale can be enjoyed on its own, together they provide a wonderful picture of post-war and a bygone era. With descriptions so graphic the characters could be based on real people, the lives, loves, hopes and disappointments of Naughton's characters will keep you gripped till the last.