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Jarvis Cocker's nocturnal exploration of the human condition returns with a nightwalk around wild Dungeness in Kent accompanied by moth trappers, fishermen and a night swimmer.

Jarvis Cocker's series exploring the human condition after dark returns with a night wander around Dungeness.

Sometimes referred to as Britain's only desert, it's a shingle headland in Kent jutting into the English Channel. Sparsely populated, with wooden shack cottages and star filled night skies, a lighthouse sweeping its beam out to sea and a nuclear power station glowing with electric light like a city suspended in the darkness.

But Jarvis isn't alone as he explores this untamed landscape, torch in hand. Also on the move are Paddy Hamilton and Bridget Wilkins who leave the cosiness of their old railway carriage home for a night walk on the beach, bumping into a Chinese fishing party along the way. At the Bird Observatory, moth trappers Sean Clancy and David Walker keep vigil as they wait for a specimen to fly into the light and recall other things that went bump in the night. Doreen Thomas, the matriarch of a Dungeness fishing family, reflects on nights gone by. And Mark Daniels is out there somewhere, swimming in the cold black inky waters.

Producer Neil McCarthy

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Mon 21 Dec 2020 23:30

Broadcasts

  • Tue 11 Dec 2018 23:00
  • Mon 21 Dec 2020 23:30

Afterhours on Radio 4

A selection of weird and wonderful programmes, perfect for late night listening.

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