BBC4 orders classical adaptations

The DH Lawrence novel, ‘Women in Love’ and ‘Room at the Top’ by John Blaine, are to be adapted by BBC4 in a series that explores love and sexuality from 20th century literature.

Both novels have been made into films before, most notably Ken Russell’s 1969 version of Women in Love staring Glenda Jackson, Olivia Reed and Alan Bates, with the famous naked wrestling scene.

Modern adaptations tend to be different these days, and according to the BBC4 Controller, Richard Klein, these BBC adaptations will become the backbone of the planned series.

BBC4 has been experiencing a series of drama successes recently with the factual drama the Curse of Steptoe attracting 1.4 million viewers.

The average viewing figure for BBC4 is around 400,000.