Books by Bill Naughton

June Evening was originally a radio play, broadcast in 1958.  It was televised in July 1960 and proved very influential, causing a sensation as one of the first ''kitchen sink'' TV plays, nine months before Coronation Street was first aired. Naughton contended that Granada lifted his idea, the story being set around one Lancashire Street with a corner shop.  Set in Holdsworth Street, Bolton in 1921, we watch the Street''s inhabitants argue, love and gossip the evening away.|8 women, 5 men

This domestic comedy explores the drama of a teenage marriage and the effects on a working-class British family. By the author of Alfie, this 1960''s Broadway hit was made into the film The Family Way which starred John and Hayley Mills.|4 women, 7 men

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.

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.

The Goalkeeper's Revenge is comprised of stories of a Lancashire childhood: of football on the streets, fishing, fighting and school, of growing up and looking for work, and of characters such as Spit Nolan the champion trolley-rider, Sim Dalt the goalkeeper and Maggie Gregory the amazing reader.

Rafe Crompton is not a stern man but has such unswerving integrity that his family is forced to hide slight peccadilloes from him. His daughter Hilda particularly resents this and her refusal to eat a herring that is placed before her at dinner makes the situation explosive. The family is almost broken up before Rafe is made to see the dangers in his attitudes, and they are reunited in an atmosphere more progressive and tolerant.4 women, 4 men

MOVE TIE-IN Edition!!! The inspiration for the cult film starring Michael Caine and the smash-hit remake with Jude Law as the eponymous anti-hero, Alfie feels as fresh and relevant today as when it was first published

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.