David Mercer

A Rod of Iron

Harry Watson has kept his feelings for his children to himself.

For Tea on Sunday

An unexpected force shatters the urbane calm of a Sunday afternoon tea party.

Shooting the Chandelier

During the closing days of the Second World War, a young Czechoslovakian woman, Blanka, is caught between ideologies of the Soviet regime. Part of BBC2 Play of the Week.

Providence

On the eve of his 78th birthday, the ailing, alcoholic writer Clive Langham spends a painful and sleepless night mentally composing and recomposing scenes for a novel in which characters based on his own family are shaped by his fantasies and memories, alongside his caustic commentary on their behaviour.

Providence

On the eve of his 78th birthday, the ailing, alcoholic writer Clive Langham spends a painful and sleepless night mentally composing and recomposing scenes for a novel in which characters based on his own family are shaped by his fantasies and memories, alongside his caustic commentary on their behaviour.

A Doll's House

Nora Helmer lives a quiet life with her husband, Torvald, in a small Norwegian town. While he works diligently at a bank, she looks after their children. But Torvald doesn't know that several years ago, when he was very ill and she was desperate for money, Nora forged a loan document and has been secretly working to pay the money back ever since. The arrival of her friend Kristine prompts Nora to re-evaluate her life and confront Torvald.

An Afternoon at the Festival

Ahead of a screening of his latest film a director converses with a prostitute, whilst his female star and estranged wife talks to a writer, his brother. Intercut are scenes from the film, and the making of it.

You and Me and Him

A man has a three-way conversation between himself, his inner thoughts and as a psychiatrist. Part of the BBC Thirty Minute Theatre strand.

The Bankrupt

Ellis Cripper has lost his money and his memory; in different ways he tries to make sense of his situation.

Family Life

A young woman, Janice, is living with her restrictive and conservative parents, who lead a dull working-class life and consider their daughter to be “misbehaving” whenever she’s trying to find her own way in life.

Emma's Time

After the death of novelist Robert Kelvin, his mistress Emma tries to adjust and reflects upon their relationship.

On the Eve of Publication

TV play by David Mercer. First in a trilogy concerning Marxist novelist Robert Kelvin. The occasion is a dinner party, Kelvin is concerned with a summation of his life, addressed in his head to his lover, Emma.

Let's Murder Vivaldi

Two couples let tensions build between them in this 'Wednesday Play'.

The Parachute

As the Nazis grow ever more powerful in Germany, Werner grows up in an aristocratic household, hating his domineering father and making enemies in high places.

In Two Minds

Kate, a young girl under psychiatric examination, suffers from a lack of confidence, self-esteem and self-control – telling of the “bad Kate” who commits immoral acts. Could the hypocrisy, selfishness and weakness of those around her have led to this state of mind or can Kate simply be diagnosed and dismissed as a schizophrenic?

Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment

Morgan, an aggressive and self-admitted dreamer, a fantasist who uses his flights of fancy as refuge from external reality, where his unconventional behavior lands him in a divorce from his wife, Leonie, trouble with the police and, ultimately, incarceration in a lunatic asylum.

90° in the Shade

In a Prague shop, an assistant has been carrying on an affair with the dishonest, married manager. An emotionally repressed auditor with domestic problems of his own uncovers serious stock discrepancies. A test of loyalties and a questioning of values concludes in tragedy.

And Did Those Feet ?

Lord Fountain hates his illegitimate twin boys as he does not seem to be able to produce legitimate heirs.

Where the Difference Begins

A family gather together as their mother lies dying. Death brings conflicts into sharp focus - not least between brothers Edgar and Richard…