麻豆社

Who gets to tell the story of a 100-year old housing estate? Who shapes its future? And where does art fit into this?

Becontree, in Dagenham, is only a few miles from the City of London 鈥� but it鈥檚 a whole world away. One resident says "it's Britain鈥檚 biggest council estate, yet nobody's talking about it".

But they do want to talk about it. So, as Becontree marks its centenary, 麻豆社 Radio 4 hands the microphones to three residents.

Rodrigo is a young queer painter, rapper and musician who鈥檚 lived in Becontree since he was 11.

Gill is a lifelong Becontree resident. She鈥檚 a retired school secretary and local volunteer whose garden is her 鈥減ride and joy鈥�.

Gary has 鈥渂een called all sorts of things鈥� in his life. Today he鈥檚 a philosopher who lives in one of the remaining council flats on the estate.

Rodrigo, Gill and Gary are our guides, our storytellers, our holders-to-account. They鈥檒l lead us around their homes, then around the estate 鈥� passing the ubiquitous 鈥淣o Ball Games鈥� signs 鈥� to interview friends and neighbours, local characters and decision makers.

Our three residents met through a project connecting artists and communities, to mark Becontree鈥檚 big moment in 2021. What鈥檚 the purpose of such projects? What responsible role should artists perform? And when the birthday party鈥檚 over, what鈥檚 next for Becontree?

Producers: Jesse Lawson & Steve Urquhart
A Boom Shakalaka production for 麻豆社 Radio 4