Jessica Dromgoole Radio Drama

Jessica Dromgoole was a freelance theatre director and Literary Manager of Paines Plough Theatre Company, before she joined the BBC writersroom. After producing on the World Service soap, Westway, and launching an Urdu language radio drama series in Pakistan, she joined BBC Radio Drama.


BBC RADIO PLAYS include....

FOR THE TIME BEING - with David Hunter & Connor Lennon
JUST LIKE RONALDINHO
SOS
ARCADIA
GUARDIAN ANGEL
HUSUD
I CAN SEE YOU
JIMMY'S LETTERS
NO NIGHTINGALES NO SNAKES
OLD PETER'S RUSSIAN TALES - SERIES 1 & 2
SEVEN WONDERS OF THE DIVIDED WORLD
SPLENDOUR
THE CITY SPEAKS - Play 1 - PUSHING
THE INCOMPLETE RECORDED WORKS OF A DEAD BODY - Winner, Prix Italia 2008
THE STORY OF THE STONE
BEYOND WORDS - with Marc Beeby
EIGHT FEET HIGH AND RISING
LISTEN TO THE WORDS - Winner of BBC Audio & Music Awards for Best Drama 2009
LOVE MY RIFLE MORE THAN YOU
DOMBEY & SON - with Jeremy Mortimer
NEW METAMORPHOSES - ZEUS & SEMELE
PAID SERVANT
PLANET B - SERIES 1 EPS 1,2, 5 & 10, SERIES 2 EPS 3 & 4
SISTER AGNES INVESTIGATES
THE KISS
WORDSMITH
PILGRIM - SERIES 1 EPS 2 (Winner of the Prix Marulic 2009) & 4, SERIES 2 EPS 2 & 4
28
DEWEY EYED
EDWARD THE SECOND
EMIL & THE DETECTIVES
FIVE WEDDING DRESSES
OUR MUTUAL FRIEND - with Jeremy Mortimer
HIGHLITES
INMATES
MASTER CLASS
NQ48
RUMINATIONS UPON MORTALITY
THE YELLOWPLUSH PAPERS
THE LADY OF KINGSLAND WASTE
ALL THE BLOOD IN MY VEINS
CINDERS
THE CONSPIRACY OF THE ILLUMINATI
DANTON'S DEATH
LENNON: A WEEK IN THE LIFE
SARAH AND KEN
THE GREAT GAME - with Sasha Yevtushenko & Indhu Rubasingham
THE SHOOTING PARTY
WE OUTNUMBER YOU
ESCAPE FROM GAZA
A NEW CYCLE OF MYSTERY PLAYS
PLANTAGENET - with Jeremy Mortimer
LOST PROPERTY
THE FAR PAVILIONS - with Marc Beeby
A FAREWELL TO ARMS
AN ACCIDENT THAT WASN'T YOUR FAULT


NOTES ON SOME OF THE PLAYS

On 17 May 2022 we had a welcome repeat from 2020 of AN ACCIDENT THAT WASN'T YOUR FAULT, by Margaret Perry (R4, 1415, 17 May 22). This was a play revolving around events taking place in a call centre, where one of the girls on the phones is falling behind on her quotas. Her job is to cold-call and offer legal action to people who have suffered accidents which weren't their fault. One of the people she contacts seems to fit into the right category, but things get a little bit personal. This was a fascinating listen; a drama I missed first time around. Lydia and Jess were played by Charlotte O'Leary and Vanessa Schofield; the producer was Jessica Dromgoole. (....ND, Diversity website review, Sep 2022)

13 Oct 2014: My One and Only
By Dawn King, rpt. A thriller about obsessive love. Layla: Katherine Parkinson, Noah: Carl Prekopp, Ben: Simon Bubb, Amy: Victoria Inez Hardy, Kety: Alex Rivers, Florist: Francine Chamberlain, Mhairi: Tracy Wiles, Jeroen: Adam Billington. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

1 May 2014: The Interrogation - An Old Schoolfriend
By Roy Williams. 3/3. Sean agrees to go for a drink with an old pal without realising the consequences. Kenneth Cranham, Alex Lanipekun, Cush Jumbo and Clive Hayward. Producers Jessica Dromgoole and Mary Peate.

24 Apr 2014: The Interrogation - Rape
By Roy Williams. 2/3. The defendant in a rape case is found innocent, but Max is unable to stop thinking about the case. Kenneth Cranham, Alex Lanipekun, Gawn Grainger, Dinah Stabb. Producers Jessica Dromgoole and Mary Peate.

17 Apr 2014: The Interrogation - Colin
By Roy Williams. 1/3. Colin's wife and daughter have been brutally attacked in their home, but nobody appears to have broken in. Kenneth Cranham as DS Matthews, Alex Lanipekun as DC Armitage, with Michael Bertenshaw as Colin and Ami Metcalf as Gemma. Music by David Pickvance; producers Jessica Dromgoole and Mary Peate.

26 Feb 2014: Jonesy
By Tom Wells. Jamie Jones, chronic asthma sufferer, is determined to pass his GCSE in Physical Education. He is asked to make a radio programme about it. Excellent comic tale. Matthew Tennyson as Jamie, with Harry Jardine as Deano, Priyanga Burford as Miss Poole, Caryls Eleri as Shannon, Georgie Fuller as Lauren, Sean Murray, Joel McCormack, Arthur Hughes as Tommo, Carolyn Pickles, and Matt Baker as himself. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

1 Jan 2014: Listening to the Dead
Five episodes of 45m. Notes for ep. 3: The Great Pretender - A small-time 1950s psychic hungers for fame, despite his inability to read the thoughts of anyone, let alone the woman he works with. By Katie Hims. Narrator - Anne Metcalfe, with Ralf Little, Lizzy Watts, Joanna Monro, Sean Murray, Carolyn Pickles, Carys Eleri, Arthur Hughes, Harry Jardine. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

12 Dec 2013: Pilgrim
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 4/4. Parsons' Mount. More supernatural happenings. Willam Palmer has to travel toa forbidden location. Paul Hilton, James Fleet, Amaka Okafor, Lizzy Watts, John Norton, Joel McCormack. Producers Marc Beeby & Jessica Dromgoole.

5 Dec 2013: Pilgrim
By Sebastian Baczkiwicz. Fantasy drama, 3/4. Woolmere Walter. The man who cannot die is forced to help an unusual couple in their courtship. Paul Hilton, Michelle Terry, Ralf Little, Joel McCormack, Peter Hamilton Dyer, Priyanga Burford, Michael Bertenshaw. Producers Marc Beeby and Jessica Dromgoole.

2 Dec 2013: 15 Minute Drama - HighLites: Split Ends, 1/5
By Steve Chambers and Phil Nodding. Bridgeford is blessed with the meanest hairdresser in Britain, and the stupidest. An impending wedding looks like a great opportunity for Bev. The fact that her rival, Anton, has already secured the business is not likely to put her off.

28 Nov 2013: Pilgrim
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 2/4. Gallowstone Hill. Supernatural drama continues ... whilst looking for the 'Radiant Boy', Pilgrim comes to a village cursed with a dangerous collective madness. Paul Hilton, Lee Ross, Arthur Hughes, Carys Eleri, Priyanga Burford, David Seddon and John Norton. Producers - Marc Beeby and Jessica Dromgoole.

21 Nov 2013: Pilgrim
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. The popular fantasy drama about William Palmer, the man who cannot die. He uncovers a disturbing family secret. Paul Hilton as William Palmer, with Sean Murray, Michael Bertenshaw, Annette Badland, Carolyn Pickles, Priyanga Burford, James Lailey and Georgie Fuller. Producers Marc Beeby and Jessica Dromgoole.

7 Aug 2013: Obey the Wave
By Ed Hime. A fictional documentary. Alec Turin, sci-fi writer and creator of cosmic refugee, Lazarus Jones, investigates the Boolians, a religious movement 32 of whose members - including his parents - disappeared in broad daylight in 1973. With Justin Salinger, Sam Swann, Joannah Tincey, Lisa Diveney, Sean Murray, Amaka Okafor, Philippa Stanton, Michael Bertenshaw, David Seddon, Ben Crowe, Felix Lailey, producer Jessica Dromgoole.

14 July 2013: Classic Serial slot: The Stuarts
This War Without an Enemy, by Mike Walker. Charles I's best qualities come to the fore only in defeat, when there are no more decisions to take but only courage and calm to see him through. Only in this moment of perfect stillness can he begin to understand what has brought him here. King Charles I .................... Julian Rhind-Tutt, Strafford .................... Anton Lesser, John Pym .................... Vincent Franklin, Henrietta Maria .................... Vanessa Kirby, Cromwell .................... Ben Crowe, Prince Rupert .................... Iain Batchelor, Hyde .................... Michael Bertenshaw, Thomas .................... Matthew Watson, Hudson .................... Sean Murray, Leven .................... David Seddon, Trooper .................... Paul Stonehouse, Produced by Jessica Dromgoole & Sasha Yevtushenko. Sound design by Colin Guthrie. Production co-ordinator: Selina Ream. Studio managers: Martha Littlehailes, Alison Craig.

7 July 2013: Classic Serial slot: The Stuarts
A World of Fools and Knaves, by Mike Walker. Henrietta Maria, Charles I's Catholic queen, watches her husband fail to keep a hold on the reins of government. Charles is both too thoughtful and too indecisive to rule successfully and despite his hatred of war, it becomes his inheritance. Like many decent men, Charles lacks iron: the ability to be utterly ruthless when necessary and merciful when expedient. King Charles I .......... Julian Rhind-Tutt, Henrietta Maria .......... Vanessa Kirby, Buckingham .......... Dominic Mafham, Lucy Carlyle .......... Kate Fleetwood, Strafford .......... Anton Lesser, John Pym .......... Vincent Franklin, Eleanor .......... Amaka Okafor, Ensemble .......... Ben Crowe, Michael Bertenshaw, Paul Stonehouse , Philippa Stanton , Matthew Watson, Sean Murray, David Seddon. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole & Sasha Yevtushenko. Sound design by Colin Guthrie. Production co-ordinator: Selina Ream. Studio managers: Martha Littlehailes, Alison Craig.

30 June 2013: Classic Serial slot - The Stuarts
To Make the Plough Go before the Horse, by Mike Walker. (I think this carries on from 29 Jun - Ed.) James I & VI. Charting the life and reign of the loneliest boy in the world, through his relationships, his one love, Esme; his bullying tutor, Buchanan; his Queen, Anne; and his favourite, George Villiers. King James I & VI .... Bill Paterson, Young James .... Stewart Campbell, George Buchanan .... John Rowe, Esme Stewart .... David Dawson, Prince Charles .... Julian Rhind-Tutt, Buckingham .... Dominic Mafham, Randolph .... Bruce Alexander, Anne .... Hannah Wood, Agnes Sampson .... Amaka Okafor, Cranfield .... Ben Crowe, Chancellor .... Matthew Watson, Bishop .... Sean Murray. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole & Sasha Yevtushenko. Sound design by Colin Guthrie. Production co-ordinator: Phil Hawkins. Studio managers: Martha Littlehailes, Anne Bunting, Alison Craig.

29 June 2013: Saturday Drama - The Stuarts
90m. By Mike Walker: 'It Came In with a Lass'. Queen Mary arrives in Scotland enshrouded in mist and must learn, rapidly, to distinguish her friends from her enemies, as they strive to control her. From her earliest years Mary was at the centre of a power struggle: as a child queen, with contending regents; then on her own behalf, balancing powerful men - the King of France, Darnley and Bothwell - against each other and using her own considerable powers to ensure her survival. Mary .... Jeany Spark, John Knox .... Brian Cox, Darnley .... Tom Mison, Moray .... John Mackay, Bothwell .... Michael Bertenshaw, Randolph .... Bruce Alexander, Flamina .... Wunmi Mosaku, Rizzio .... David Seddon, Ruthven .... Sean Murray, Soldier .... Ben Crowe. Sergeant .... Paul Stonehouse. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole & Sasha Yevtushenko. Sound design by Colin Guthrie. Production co-ordinator: Phil Hawkins. Studio managers: Martha Littlehailes, Anne Bunting, Alison Craig.

14 May 2013: A Tale Of Two Cities
Dickens, ad. Mike Walker. 5 episodes of 1 hour. Notes for episode 1: Recalled to Life. This novel of the French revolution tells a story of the redemptive powers of love in the face of cruelty, violence and neglect. It shows the plight of the French people under the brutal oppression of the aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, and the corresponding savage brutality of the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the years immediately following. The story follows several characters through these events, notably Charles Darnay, a French former aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated English barrister who tries to redeem his ill-spent life out of love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette. A Tale of Two Cities won the Bronze Sony Award for Best Drama last year. Charles Dickens ......... Robert Lindsay, Jarvis Lorry ......... Jonathan Coy, Miss Pross ......... Alison Steadman, Lucie Manette ......... Lydia Wilson, Dr Alexandre Manette ......... Karl Johnson, Charles Darnay ......... Andrew Scott, Ernest Defarge ......... James Lailey, Therese Defarge ......... Tracy Wiles, Gaspard ......... Simon Bubb, Jerry Cruncher ......... Carl Prekopp, Joe ......... Rikki Lawton. Directors ......... Jessica Dromgoole & Jeremy Mortimer. Ensemble ......... Adam Billington & Christopher Webster. Music by Lennert Busch.

13 May 2013: Afternoon Drama - The Interrogation - Series 2
3/3. Simon, by Roy Williams. A sixth-former is attacked on his way to school, and hospitalised. When Max and Sean start to investigate, they uncover a love story. DS Max Matthews ......... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ......... Alex Lanipekun, Simon Barnes ......... Sam Swann, Jason ......... Michael Shelford, Simone Parker ......... Amaka Okafor, Damien ......... Will Howard, Wendy Harris ......... Joanna Brookes, Mr Renshaw ......... Nicholas Murchie, Producer ......... Jessica Dromgoole. Music by David Pickvance.

6 May 2013: Afternoon Drama - The Interrogation - Series 2
By Roy Williams. 2/3 The Story of Grace. An ambitious local woman, who made a name for herself during the London riots, has struggled to rise from her past, until only one thing stands in her way. DS Max Matthews ....... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ....... Alex Lanipekun, Grace Buffong ....... Noma Dumezweni, Stephen Buffong ....... Jerome Holder, Simone Parker ....... Amaka Okafor. Music by David Pickvance. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

29 Apr 2013: Afternoon Drama: The Interrogation - Series 2
By Roy Williams. 1/3 The Story of Marc. DS Mathews returns from bereavement leave to rejoin DC Sean Armitage doing what they do best. An ex-colleague, Marc, is suspected of domestic violence, but while Sean is maybe too close to the case, Max has an uncanny insight into the crime. DS Max Matthews ....... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ....... Alex Lanipekun, Marc Johnson ....... Ben Crowe, Lisa Johnson ....... Philippa Stanton, Operator ....... Hannah Wood, Producer ....... Jessica Dromgoole, Music composed and performed by David Pickvance.

14 Mar 2013: Afternoon Drama - Pilgrim
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. Episode 4: Bleaker Lake. The showdown. At Bleaker Lake, where Merlin is held sealed up under the water, Pilgrim hopes to find an end, at least to the war of attrition with Birdie, at best to his own immortality. William Palmer ...... Paul Hilton, Birdie ...... Kate Fleetwood, Cliff ...... Philip Jackson, Harmony ...... Lizzy Watts, Randell ...... Carl Prekopp, Hunnicutt ...... Patrick Brennan, Girl ...... Agnes Bateman. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole. (......note - episodes of 21 Feb and 7 Mar were produced by Marc Beeby - Ed.)

28 Feb 2013: Afternoon Drama - Pilgrim - Series 4
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 2: Tregarrah Head. Birdie continues her war of attrition, leaving a wake of innocent victims. Pilgrim has to rescue the Old Man of Tregarrah Head from his fate as the changeling baby of devoted West Country parents. William Palmer ....... Paul Hilton, Birdie ....... Kate Fleetwood, Sally ....... Rebekah Staton, Gary ....... Ed Gaughan, Kingsley ....... Robert Blythe, Elaine ....... Sarah Thom, Dan ....... Ben Crowe, Girl ....... Agnes Bateman. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

12 Nov 2012: Afternoon Drama - All the Blood in My Veins
A special Radio 4 Afternoon Drama, commissioned with BBC Children in Need. Playwright Katie Hims worked with "Carers Lewisham", a 'Children in Need'-supported project, to create the story of Viola, a fourteen year old girl, with responsibilities far beyond her age. The play was recorded with a mix of professional cast and the carers themselves. Mum ....... Elaine Lordan, Viola ....... Shannon Tarbet, Paolo ....... Tyger Drew-Honey, Elly ....... Katie Angelou, Jack ....... Alfie Browne-Sykes, Teacher ....... Jude Akuwudike, Phil ....... Lloyd Thomas, Lauren ....... Deeivya Meir, Kelly ....... Shirena Watt, Producer ....... Jessica Dromgoole .

21 Oct 2012: Classic Serial - The Gothic Imagination, Dracula: Part 2
2/2 By Bram Stoker, ad. Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Professor Van Helsing is determined to find out the true cause of Lucy's death, track it down, and defeat it forever. Count Dracula ......... Nicky Henson, Dr Seward ......... Charles Edwards, Renfield ......... Don Gilet, Jonathan Harker ......... Michael Shelford, Mina Harker ......... Ellie Kendrick, Lucy Westenra ......... Scarlett Brookes, Dr Van Helsing ......... John Dougall, Arthur ......... Joe Sims, Maid ......... Christine Absalom, Policeman ......... Robert Blythe, Simmons ......... Patrick Brennan, Vampiress ......... Sarah Thom, Vampiress ......... Ellie Crook, Vampiress ......... Stephanie Racine, Child ......... Harper Bone, Singer ......... Adriana Festeu, Producer ......... Jessica Dromgoole.

DRACULA....2012
It's been a few years since Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' was broadcast, and this new version, by Rebecca Lenkiewic, went out in the 'Classic Serial' slot on successive Sundays (2 x 55m), beginning on 14 October. Cast: Nicky Henson as The Count, Charles Edwards, Don Gilet, Michael Shelford, Ellie Kendrick, Scarlett Brookes, John Dougall, Joe Sims. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

Jessica wrote some interesting remarks in the Radio Times about the sound effects in the production, in response to a letter which said 'I'd love to know how they created the biting, sucking noise as Dracula seduced then drained his victims. Gruesome but disgustingly realistic':



" ... many studio managers contributed to the unusual and often horrible sound of the production. One of the most enjoyable and challenging aspects of heading into the studio is planning the new spot (live) sound effects we're going to need. None of us had tried piercing a jugular and draining blood before. Jenni Burnett - the 'spot' SM -was ready with a cut and partially hollowed-out orange, to be sucked and lapped at, but Nicky Henson, who played Dracula, asked to try his own sound, which he'd worked on at home. It was made entirely vocally, and, as you heard, was really revolting. Combined with a wince and a gasp from the actress being bitten, and then in the edit (by Peter Ringrose) with a hollow wind, an unsettling rumble and the beautiful singing of Adriana Festeu, the moment becomes very animal, and sexual, and violent."

JD

14 Oct 2012: Classic Serial - Dracula: Part 1
1/2 Launching a month's focus on The Gothic Imagination, Bram Stoker's disturbing vampire tale of horror, in a new version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Told through letters, journal entries, and other found testimony, this is the story of the brief reign of terror of an uncivilised monster in Victorian Britain. Count Dracula ...... Nicky Henson, Dr Seward ...... Charles Edwards, Renfield ...... Don Gilet, Jonathan Harker ...... Michael Shelford, Mina Murray ...... Ellie Kendrick, Lucy Westenra ...... Scarlett Brookes, Dr Van Helsing ...... John Dougall, Arthur ...... Joe Sims, Landlord's Wife ...... Christine Absalom Driver ...... Robert Blythe, Simmons ...... Patrick Brennan, Vampiress ...... Sarah Thom, Vampiress ...... Ellie Crook, Vampiress ...... Stephanie Racine, Child ...... Harper Bone. Singer ...... Adriana Festeu. Producer ...... Jessica Dromgoole.

30 Sept 2012: Classic Serial - Far from the Madding Crowd, Cuts and Points
By Thomas Hardy, adapted by Graham White. 2/3 - Bathsheba discovers that sending William Boldwood a valentine card was a terrible mistake. But Boldwood is not Gabriel's only rival for Bathsheba's heart. Bathsheba ...... Alex Tregear, Gabriel Oak ...... Shaun Dooley, Boldwood ...... Toby Jones, Troy ...... Patrick Kennedy, Liddy ...... Lizzy Watts, Fanny ...... Hannah John-Kamen, Maltster ...... Robert Blythe, Jan ...... Joe Sims, Joseph ...... Sam Alexander, Henery ...... Patrick Brennan, Billy ...... Don Gilet, Cain ...... Harry Livingstone, Maryann ...... Amaka Okafor, Producer ...... Jessica Dromgoole. Musicians ..... Colin Guthrie, Chris Davies, Lauren Swift.

23 Sept 2012: Classic Serial - Far from the Madding Crowd, A Farmer Just Beginning
By Thomas Hardy, adapted by Graham White. 1/3 - Young farmer Gabriel Oak sees an ideal wife in Bathsheba Everdene, but she turns him down, believing in true romance. As she becomes rich, he is ruined, and the tables turn. Bathsheba ....... Alex Tregear, Gabriel Oak ....... Shaun Dooley, Boldwood ....... Toby Jones, Troy ....... Patrick Kennedy, Liddy ....... Lizzy Watts, Fanny ....... Hannah John-Kamen, Maltster ....... Robert Blythe, Jan ....... Joe Sims, Joseph ....... Sam Alexander, Henery ....... Patrick Brennan, Billy ....... Don Gilet, Cain ....... Harry Livingstone, Aunt ....... Tracy Wiles, Maryann ....... Amaka Okafor, Producer ....... Jessica Dromgoole. Musicians ... Colin Guthrie, Chris Davies, Lauren Swift.

17 Sept 2012: Afternoon Drama - Be Mine
By Jackie Malton (first play). Leaving prison for the first time in 26 years, and trying to stay sober, a charismatic ex-con moves in on the family of his AA buddy, and nearly blows it apart. Jackie is best known as the inspiration for DCI Jane Tennison, in Prime Suspect. Her police career, initially in the Leicestershire and then the Metropolitan Police Forces, was notable for her rise within the ranks of a very male, heterosexual establishment while being a woman detective who was openly gay. Malton worked in a number of areas, including The Flying Squad, Murder Squad and Fraud Squad. She also acted as a whistle-blower against police corruption in the 1980s. Since then she has worked as a consultant on TV crime dramas, as an addiction counsellor, and works in partnership with Graham Godden the ex-'M25 Bandit' on the 'Youth Empowerment Crime Diversion Scheme'. Kenny ....... Jason Watkins, Tina ....... Joann Condon, Boyd ....... Paul Hilton, Elsa ....... Jane Whittenshaw, Producer ....... Jessica Dromgoole.

5 July 2012: Afternoon Drama - Alone in the Garden with You
By Louise Monaghan. Rebekah faces a modern dilemma. When her ex-husband's dying wish is to be buried in the family garden, how does she square it - and the corresponding drop in house value - with Clive, her new man? Rebekah ..... Susie Riddell, Alex ..... Carl Prekopp, Clive ..... Gerard McDermott , Jack ..... Felix Lailey , Meggie ..... Lauren Mote, Sales Assistant ..... Amaka Okafor, Nurse ..... Christine Absalom. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

20 April 2012: Afternoon Drama - My One and Only
By Dawn King. A thriller about obsessive love and modern technology. Cast: Layla ..... Katherine Parkinson, Noah ..... Carl Prekopp, Ben ..... Simon Bubb, Amy ..... Victoria Inez Hardy, Katy ..... Alex Rivers, Florist ..... Francine Chamberlain, Mhairi ..... Tracy Wiles, Jeroen ..... Adam Billington. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

16 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - Pilgrim - Series 3, Lindie Island
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 4 of 4: In exchange for a precious bargaining chip in his negotiations with the King, Pilgrim is asked to sacrifice a man he has kept safe for centuries. William Palmer ..... Paul Hilton , Viv ..... Pamela Merrick, Henselow ..... Adam Billington, Marcellus ..... Jimmy Akingbola , Goat Lord ..... Nicky Henson, Randell ..... Carl Prekopp, Birdie ..... Kate Fleetwood. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

15 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - The Interrogation, Episode 3
By Roy Williams.3/3. The story of Sarah, married into a racist family, who has been holding out against its influence for years. Cast: DS Max Matthews ..... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ..... Alex Lanipekun, Sarah ..... Claire Louise Cordwell, Danny ..... Carl Prekopp. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

14 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - The Interrogation, Episode 2
By Roy Williams. 2/3. The story of Jermaine, a ruthless and amoral young gang member, who is over-keen to confess to a crime. DS Max Matthews ..... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ..... Alex Lanipekun, Jermaine ..... Anthony Welsh. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

13 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - The Interrogation, Episode 1
By Roy Williams. 1/3 The story of Rod, a Premier League footballer accused of rape, who discovers his skill, wealth and fame make no odds in a police station. Cast: DS Max Matthews ..... Kenneth Cranham, DC Sean Armitage ..... Alex Lanipekun, Rod Tyler ..... Joe Sims, Helen Cottol ..... Katie Angelou, Mother ..... Tracy Wild. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

10 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - HighLites
By Steve Chambers and Phil Nodding. A small-town farce set in and around mean-minded Bev's hairdressing salon, High-Lites, where a little lie spreads through the village like wildfire. Beverley ..... Lorraine Ashbourne, Shirley ..... Rosie Cavaliero, Matthew ..... Rhys Jennings, Alice ..... Emerald O'Hanrahan, Enid ..... Kate Layden, Nigel ..... John Biggins, Lois ..... Joannah Tincey, Butt ..... Ewan Hooper, Paramedic ..... Joseph Cohen-Cole. Producer: Jessica Dromgoole The play is the pilot for the comedy series starting next week in Woman's Hour.

9 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - Pilgrim - Series 3, Aisley Bridge
By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. 3 of 4: Following the mysterious absence of a local girl, Pilgrim is drawn into the strange world of the lanes, and the immortal children who live there. William Palmer ..... Paul Hilton, Lily ..... Victoria Inez-Hardy, Mr Hendrickson ..... James Lailey , George ..... Kasper Hilton-Hille , Effie ..... Nishi Malde , Cecilia ..... Faye Castelow, Audrey ..... Lizzy Watts, Everett ..... Simon Bubb, Conor ..... Adam Billington. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

1 Feb 2012: Afternoon Drama - Lost Property, A Telegram from the Queen
As yesterday, episode 3. By Katie Hims. Cast: Ruthie ..... Rosie Cavaliero, Alice ..... Edna Doré, Ted ..... Gary Beadle, Vincent ..... Daniel Rabin, Marcus ..... Stuart McLoughlin, Ray ..... Sean Baker, Queenie ..... Jane Whittenshaw, Roseanna ..... Alex Tregear, Ella May ..... Joanna Monro, Receptionist ..... Sally Orrock. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole. Rpt. The troliogy won the 2011 BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Drama, where Rosie Cavaliero won the Best Actress award.

31 Jan 2012: Afternoon Drama - Lost Property,2, The Year My Mother Went Missing
As yesterday; episode 2. Cast: Narrator ..... Rosie Cavaliero, Ruthie ..... Shannon Flynn, Vincent ..... Ceallach Spellman, Marcus ..... Elliot Griffiths, Dad ..... Ralph Ineson, Ray ..... Daniel Rabin, Alice ..... Jane Whittenshaw, Queenie ..... Sally Orrock, PC O'Hara ..... Stuart McLoughlin, DI Driscoll ..... Sean Baker. Produced by Jessica Dromgoole.

30 Jan 2012: Afternoon Drama - Lost Property,1, The Wrong Label
By Katie Hims. London, 1941, and Alice knows that to stop your children from being evacuated is to tantamount to siding with Hitler. Cast: Narrator ..... Rosie Cavaliero, Alice ..... Alex Tregear, Queenie ..... Katie Angelou, Ray ..... Daniel Cooper, Jim ..... Daniel Rabin, Mr Nightingale ..... Stuart McLoughlin, Miss Pearl ..... Bethan Walker, Miss Stanwyck ..... Sally Orrock, Mr Jones ..... Sean Baker, Mrs Jones ..... Joanna Monro. Producer Jessica Dromgoole.

PLANTAGENET....2011
A second Classic Serial series about the Plantagenets, 3 x 60 min, beginning 29 May 2011. Europe is emerging from the Dark Ages. To get rid of an enemy you slit his throat, or have him hanged, drawn and quartered. This bloody chronicle is fast-paced and gory but has a great script. It's full of intrigue, plotting and filthy skirmishes. Edward Longshanks is at war with France and with Scotland. Catch every episode....

Cast for ep. 1: Philip Jackson, Ellie Kendrick, Sam Troughton, Simon Bubb, James Lailey, Jonathan Forbes, Sean Baker, Brian Bowles, Nyasha Hatendi, Stuart McLoughlin, Joanna Monro, Peter Polycarpou, Daniel Rabin, Alun Raglan, Jane Whittenshaw. Producers Jeremy Mortimer and Jessica Dromgoole.

This was reviewed in 'The Guardian' by Elizabeth Mahoney, who drew particular attention to the quality of the production and Mike Walker's excellent script. How topical it all sounded, too, with a cash-strapped treasury and Scottish independence as themes - though this was 1299. This is a cracking tale, to rank alongside Don Taylor's 12-hour classic "God's Revolution". So far, "Plantagenet" adds up to six hours, and I hope there's more to come.

As episode 1 begins, King Edward is sixty. His first wife Eleanor has been dead ten years. The Scottish Wars permitting, he is ready to marry again....

Elizabeth M.....

..........What gave the production texture and depth, though, were some subtle touches. So, while the drama included some splendidly gory sounds of people in pain, all horrible convulsions and last-breath gurgles, it also gave its protagonists credible, affecting lines. Margaret, the young French queen admirably played by Ellie Kendrick, was daunted by her wedding night. "It is," she said quietly, "so very..... 'here'."

It's good to see a national paper taking radio drama seriously. It would have been nice to see a credit for the producers, but perhaps next time ......... - Ed

Part of BBC blurb from Radio Times, by Claire Webb, edited slightly.....

Bugles at the Gate remembers the British Army's worst defeat in history when 16,000 soldiers perished fleeing Kabul in 1842. We share the bugler's horror on hearing the news and reading the diary entries of a rare survivor, the General's wife.

Miniskirts of Kabul is set in 1992; a western woman interviews President Najibullah as he shelters in a UN compound.

Honey is about a CIA agent who realises the folly of American disengagement.

In Canopy of Stars, two squaddies discuss chips, football and Taliban insurgents.

The Friday Play Guardian Angel
8 Feb 08. Gill Adams's drama is set in Hull; during the floods. Senior policewoman Jo is looking forward to meeting the son she has never known. Her old schoolfriend Elaine's son has run away. When they are reunited by a chance meeting; Jo finds herself drawn into the search for him. Jo Stone ...... Sarah Parks Elaine ...... Katy Cavanagh Jack ...... Joshua Richards Janet ...... Julie Higginson Mrs Walker ...... Sue McCormick Shelly ...... Sam Laverick Danny ...... Joe Robertson Luke ...... Matt Sutton Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

Pilgrim 'Gainst All Disaster
17 Dec 08. Series of modern-day fantasy adventures by Sebastian Baczkiewicz. Pilgrim must try to save Joseph of Arimethea; who is being held captive by a malevolent angel bent on the destruction of the Greyfolk. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Styler ...... Paul Rider Joseph ...... David Calder Sylvie ...... Anna Wing Doris ...... Susan Engel Freya ...... Alex Tregear Arianhad ...... Helen Schlesinger Guard ...... Gunnar Cauthery Girl ...... Agnes Bateman Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

Pilgrim 2/4. Then Fancies Flee Away
3 Dec 08. Travelling through Yorkshire; Pilgrim meets a woman whose son has been in a strange coma for the past seven years. He lies in his bed; surrounded by a huge growth of thorns. As Pilgrim investigates this enchantment he is drawn towards the darkness beneath the mysterious Round Barrow of Willy Howe. Pilgrim ...... Paul Hilton Noreen ...... Tricia Kelly Darren ...... Robert Lonsdale Tina ...... Jill Cardo Joey ...... Benjamin Askew Jaggs ...... Malcolm Tierney Les/Mulvahey ...... Paul Rider Girl ...... Agnes Bateman. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

Wordsmith By Stephen Phelps.
5 Sep 08. Matthew Coleman; Professor of English; has a sideline developing the art and science of linguistic forensics. When a cut and dried murder case is suddenly called into doubt; the language of interviews and confessions becomes primary evidence. Mathew Coleman ...... Mark Strong Anya Hill ...... Lizzy Watts John Carsley ...... Dan Starkey Mark Eason ...... Lloyd Thomas Lynn Eason ...... Sally Orrock Armstrong ...... Ben Crowe Sayers ...... Chris Pavlo Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

Listen to the Words
18 Jun 08. By Ed Hime. Tim has a problem with empathy and justifies tapping fellow student Sophie's phone as the only way to understand her. When it all goes horribly wrong; he books the media room of the secure unit where he is being held and creates a broadcast for his college radio station. Armed with one 1991 compilation album; several illicit recordings and a script he has redrafted 43 times; he sets about telling his story. Tim ...... Joe Dempsie Sophie ...... Lizzie Watts Damon ...... Sam Crane Stella ...... Lisa Stevenson Derek ...... Nyasha Hatendi Dr Susan ...... Helen Longworth Bill Keyes ...... Ben Crowe Clive ...... John Rowe Zoe ...... Liz Sutherland Lecturer ...... Stephen Critchlow Toby ...... Dan Starkey Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

The City Speaks
19 Mar 08. Series of short radio dramas based on Peter Ackroyd's specially commissioned short story in which the Virgin Mary makes an appearance in the City of London. 1/3. Pushing By Lin Coghlan. On Virgin Day; a man pushes a fridge across the city. Man ...... Jamie Foreman Boy ...... Adam Arnold 2/3. I Am Not You Are Not Me By Mike Walker. Jack has to confront the memory of the death of his wife. With Jim Norton. 3/3. Broken Chain By Mark Norfolk. On the day Bert is released from prison; Leon takes him to see the Virgin. Bert ...... Jeffery Kissoon Leon ...... Jimmy Akingbola Jay ...... Sheri-An Davis Wayne ...... Troy Glasgow With Rachel Bavidge; John Dougall; Nitin Ganatra; Anthony Glennon; Tyronne Lewis; Peter Marinker; Liza Sadovy; Hilary Sesta; Simon Treves. Music by David Pickvance. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole; Jeremy Mortimer and Toby Swift. .

New Metamorphoses
3 Mar 08. Contemporary reworkings of tales by Ovid. 1/5. Zeus and Semele By Sebastian Baczkiewicz. When a paparazzo is welcomed into the glamorous world he feeds on; he is hopelessly unprepared for what lies behind it. Ovid ...... Toby Jones Harry Nicholson ...... Daniel Cerqueira Victor Karkov ...... Robert Glenister Mariel Karkov ...... Lyndsey Marshal Newsreader ...... Peter Marinker Directed by Jessica Dromgoole. .


JIMMY'S LETTERS....2007
24,Sep,2007. Andrew Sherlock's play is based on the true story of his parents' courtship; charted through Audrey's reminiscences and Jimmy's letters from Korea; where he was serving in the early 1950s. Jimmy ...... Andy Pointon Audrey ...... Gillian Kearney Evelyn ...... Elizabeth Estensen Marie ...... Laura Molyneux Pat ...... John Dougall Marzy ...... Katy Cavanagh Dennis ...... Sam Pamphilon Jean Metcalfe ...... Joannah Tincey. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.


ARCADIA....2007
30,Jun,2007. Tom Stoppard's comedy juggles notions of literature; mathematics; landscape gardening and love through the lives and preoccupations of the inhabitants of Sidley Park; Derbyshire in the early 19th and late 20th centuries. Bernard ...... Jason Watkins Hannah ...... Nicola Redmond Septimus ...... Jack Laskey Thomasina ...... Jade Williams Chloe ...... Carey Mulligan Valentine ...... Joseph Kloska Chater ...... John Dougall Lady Croom ...... Liza Sadovy Noakes ...... Jot Davies Jellaby Simon Treves Brice ...... Anthony Glennon Augustus ...... Sam Pamphilon Directed by Jessica Dromgoole.

........a new radio adaptation, by Stoppard, of ARCADIA, a scintillating play in which present day researchers seek to find the truth about people and events from a former time - in this case, about 200 years earlier.It was broadcast by Radio 3 in the year of its first performance at the National Theatre, 1993. The action displays both past and present, opening in 1808 before switching to the 1990s. The listener learns the truth of both eras, but, predictably, the modern researchers construct a false picture of the past, which gathers sufficient momentum to displace the true one. It juggles notions of literature, Mathematics, landscape gardening and love through the lives of the inhabitants of Sidney Park, Derbyshire. It starred Jason Watkins, Nicola Redmond, Jack Laskey, Jade Williams and Carey Mulligan; the director was Jessica Dromgoole. (ND, VRPCC newsletter)

compiled by Nigel Deacon / Diversity website

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