The tensions of unrequited and unspoken love surface as the lives of a sensitive artist, Rex, a highly strung rebel aristocrat actress, Caroline, and an older writer and arts patron, Edith, intertwine in the inter war years until war descends on the high society of Britain and safe options are cast aside
This unique true story, told through an audio drama, covers the captivating life of artist Rex Whistler, his acceptance into the aristocratic Bright Young Things set of the 1920s, his artistic progression to the forefront of British mural painting in the stately homes of the great and good, including Lord Mountbatten, Winston Churchill, and the Queen, and his transformation from artist to tank commander as war descends
But throughout, his relationship with the two most important women in his life dominate, Edith Olivier, thirty years his senior, his lifelong confidant and mentor, and Caroline Paget, seven years his junior, daughter of the Marquis of Anglesey, and his love and infatuation for much of his life. As war descends all three of them take bold decisions to play their part, Rex begins training as a Tank Commander, Caroline drives ambulances during the Blitz, and Edith becomes Mayor of Wilton and rekindles the Land Girls organisation she founded in the first world war
This is a moving, complex and ultimately tragic love story between two diametrically opposed characters, following their relationship as it ebbs and flows over ten years in the lead up to the second world war and beyond, supported throughout by Edith who must suppress her own unspoken love for Rex
I have been working on this project for over four years. This time included detailed research on the lives of all involved including site visits to most of the stately homes involved
The inspiration to tell this story came when I visited Plas Newydd, Caroline’s stately home in Anglesey, and read Rex’s moving love letters to Caroline, which lay bare both his deep love for her and the pain he felt at the problems in their relationship
This led me to read more about Rex and an incredibly dramatic life unfolded in front of me that I felt compelled to capture, Rex’s rich and varied life as a mural, theatre and portrait artist and then later as a soldier in the Second World War, with additionally Edith becoming a huge part in his life developing a unique and profound friendship.
Supporting this audio drama will help to bring one of the greatest love stories of all time to life
The vast majority of the money raised for the project will go on elevating the production to the high levels it deserves through employing high-quality actors