Works

The following works by Brian Yorke Deakin and Iain Potter are available by contacting Iain (Who is also Brian’s literary manager) on:

Tel: 07850 404 603

e-mail: iain@potter-ilp.fsnet.co.uk

 

 

 

 

In 1798-99 with Bonaparte trapped in Egypt Naples was the centre of the conflict between new and old, between the ideas of armies of the French Revolution, and acien regimes. To his shame Nelson and the British fleet helped to crush the Neapolitan rebels and restore the corrupt Burbon despotism. On a background of civil war and the struggle for liberty this novel tells the story, among many others, of three passionate women and their love affairs: Luisa Sanfelice, Emma Hamilton and Emma’s illegitimate daughter. The novel was admired by Richard Baker, presenter, the late Robert Bolt, screenwriter, and Paul Scofield, actor.

A drama for the stage in two acts by Brian Deakin. This play satirises the moral decadence of English politics and society in WW1 exemplified by the shabby and hysterical treatment of Roger Casement, Irish patriot and traitor to England.

A comprehensive and invaluable guide to the correct use of English when used in correspondence.

‘The effect of George Eliot the thinker on George Eliot the novelist’. An essay by Brian Yorke Deakin

A documentary radio series in seven parts by Brian Deakin, about famous ‘Brits’ who have influenced the world by their adventurous travels abroad. From Captain Cook to Lawrence of Arabia.

‘Behind The Mask’ – a collection of anecdotes, short stories and novellas.

A screenplay or four-part television serial by Brian Deakin and Iain Potter, based on a novel of the same name by Brian Deakin. A hunt is on for a kidnap victim and millions of counterfeit dollars hidden by the Nazis during WW2. Key to this story is a hidden identity, and the principal themes are left-wing terrorism, anti-Semitism, the Arab-Israeli conflict and emotional blackmail.

A collection of witty and thought provoking aphrorisms from some of history’s most famous and infamous figures (as well as some from Brian himself!)

A screenplay by Brian Deakin and Iain Potter, based on a short story by Brian Deakin. An elderly lady ‘Anastasia’, reveals her past to a close friend, on condition he writes her story. Was she the granddaughter of Rasputin? Did she really exchange identity with the Baroness von R and inherit a fortune during WW2? Was the story about the missing Romanov tiara true and did her little dog ‘Prince’ actually save her from prison? Was Anastasia the enigma she appeared to be?

A stage play based on Henry James novel THE BOSTONIANS adapted by Brian Deakin and Martin Starkie (the latter created the world hit musical CANTERBURY TALES in 1968). It would make a good screen transition.

A screenplay by Brian Deakin and Iain Potter, based on a short story by Brian Deakin, A KIND OF RELEASE. The story, inspired by Victor Hugo’s faction CLAUDE GUEUX, is set in a prison in England during the cotton famine in the 1860s.

A stage play from Turgenev’s story adapted by Martin Starkie and Brian Deakin originally broadcast as a very successful BBC TV play many years, but this would need revising.

A radio portrait from the writings of the time by Brian Deakin.. While the amazing film Stage Beauty recently gave a colourful visual representation of Restoration England, this treatment gives a vivid impression in words of the reign of Charles II. The eager, adventurous and tragically short life of the Earl of Rochester and the great poetry that grew out of it, epitomises man’s never-ending struggle to reconcile the demands of hedonism and morality. Listeners will not, perhaps, be unaware of the parallels with the confused, pleasure-loving, godless England of today.

A television documentary series by Brian Deakin, to illustrate the enormous contribution made by Germans to English civilisation and history in the thousand or so years from the time of King Alfred to the beginning of the twentieth century. This is in preparation and will consist of two main aspects, the first of which is the more extensive: GERMANS IN ENGLAND who played an important part in its history. Inevitably this part would involve some interweaving with German history, and would also include Anglo-German personal and literary relations. GERMANS WITH ENGLAND the forgotten story of the many Germans who fought for, and with England, during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including at the Battle of Waterloo.

By Brian Deakin and one by Iain Potter. Humorous, satirical and spooky, some would make interesting short films or animations.

By Brian Deakin. A short talk for radio about famous authors influenced by their encounters with railways. Includes Dickens, Tolstoy and Oscar Wilde.

ABOUT THE WRITERS

BRIAN DEAKIN

Has spent his career teaching English to foreigners in France, Italy and Germany. He currently lectures at Augsburg VHS (Volkshochschule). He also teaches Italian in Germany and French in France. His publications include books on the teaching of English in Italy and Germany, and for the B.B.C. WILLIAM IN LONDON and LETTER-WRITING IN ENGLISH. He has written two novels BEHIND THE MASK and CONFINES OF PARADISE, and wrote two plays with Martin Starkie for radio: THE TORRENTS OF SPRING (from Turgenev) and THE BOSTONIANS (from Henry James). His writing has been praised by Robert Bolt and Michael Legat.

IAIN POTTER

Is currently a theatre director, designer and consultant in scenic and technical theatre, and co-writes with Douglas Bullock and Brian Deakin.

Originally from the West End, he was head of Theatre Design at Croydon College, co-founding the Shoestring and Warehouse theatres locally. He also established the award winning Hill Street Theatre as a regular fringe venue at the Edinburgh Festival.

Iain has designed many exhibitions, and recent clients include The Chaucer Heritage Trust in London and Canterbury, the Tank Museum in Dorset, and Rootstein at the Museum of Fashion and Textiles, London Bridge.

He has produced, directed or supervised over 800 theatre shows, events and exhibitions to date.