Lesley Sharp's big scene as Valerie involved an 8-minute soliloquy while she is walking along the streets between back-to-back houses. Given the length of the scene, and the chances of either her or the crew making a mistake, it took sixteen takes to film. Lesley Sharp estimates that she walked a total of five miles while filming the scene!
Alan Clarke's "Road" was made for BBC2's Screenplay strand in 1987. It was shot on film and is 63 minutes in length. Based on Jim Cartwright's debut play of the same name, written when he was in his twenties, it was first produced for the stage the previous year.
Playwright Jim Cartwright described filmmaker Alan Clarke's treatment of his play; - He had a strong vision for the film and you respected him for that strength but also respected him for the fact that he was always inclusive of me and the others involved. He made the whole process vibrant and exciting, dangerous even.