Kate McAll Radio Plays
Kate McAll is a well-known producer of radio drama at the BBC. She has produced the plays listed below, and many others.
SOME OF THE PLAYS:
CHEETA....2018
James Lever's play CHEETA, MY LIFE IN HOLLYWOOD (R4, 1430, 3 Nov 18), based on the novel by Stef Penney, looked at Hollywood from the point of view of the world's most famous chimp. Cheeta recalls his capture in the jungle and the training which followed, and the fun he had in the films. He featured in many of the Tarzan adventures starring Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan in the early 30s, providing comic relief. He died at the advanced age of 80; very unusual for a chimp in captivity, and outlived Weissmuller (d. 1984 aged 79) and O'Sullivan (d. 1998, aged 87). In the radio play, Cheeta was played by John Malkovich, Weissmuller by Julian Sands, numerous other characters were played by Edita Brychta, Enn Reitel, Darren Richardson and Elisa Bocanegra. The producer was Kate McCall. (....ND, Diversity Website review, Dec 2018)
7 Aug 2016: On The Road Not Taken
By Paul Dodgson, rpt. Excellent autobiographical play on Paul's decision many years ago to pursue a non-musical career, and now later in life, he tries what he's always wanted to do; living the dream. young Paul: Isaac Rouse, Paul's Dad: Ewan Bailey, Fred: Max Abraham, Paul's Mum: Sally Orrock, Andy: Tyler Bennington-Poulter. Producer: Kate McAll.
Goldengrove....2008
28 Jul 08. Frances Byrnes's story of the relationship between a young working-class girl and the woman who transforms her. Margaret; a spinster; teaches Narn; a city child; how to shake hands firmly; polish silver and identify birds. Most of all; she teaches her how to speak. Margaret ...... Jill Balcon, Narn ...... Jessica Jolleys, Narn Now ...... Siriol Jenkins, Josie ...... Beccy Alexander, Fred ...... Brendan Charleson. Producer Kate McAll.
NO NAME....2007
By Wilkie Collins, dram. by JF. Classic Seruial, 2 x 60m. Dir. Kate McAll. A tale of disguise, deception and sacrifice, set in Victorian times, described by JF as a "bodice-ripper". With Jaimi Barbakoff, Ron Cooke, Diana Quick, Richard Nichols, Manon Edwards, Jaqueline Tong, Richard Mitchley, Dick Bradnum, Steffan Rhodri, Jack Reynolds and Caitlin Richards. R4 10 and 17 Jun 07.
SUNBATHING IN THE RAIN....2006
A play about depression. With Siriol Jenkins and Robert Pugh. Written by Gwyneth Lewis. 23 Mar 06.
A FIELD OF HAY....2005
With Fiona Shaw as the voice of the field. 8 Aug 05. A hidden secret is exposed.
THRIFT....2005
By Rebecca Trick-Walker. 2 Aug 05. A woman's 40-year marriage has come to an end.
LOVE'S EXECUTIONER....2005
A love affair across the generations; not a happy story, based on the case notes of a therapist, Dr. Irvin Yalom. 27 Jun 05.
DOLLY SHEPHERD, THE EDWARDIAN PARACHUTE QUEEN....2005
14 Apr 05. Drama-doc about the courageous lady who jumped from gas-filled balloons for a fee. Includes an interview with her daughter, Molly Sedgewick.
Bodies in Motion and at Rest, dram....2004
By Thomas Lynch, a poet and undertaker. One day the young Tom has to carry out a task most of us could not even contemplate. Friday Play. 16 Jul 04. With Ed Begley Jr/ Michael Weston/Richard Kind/Shirley Knight/ Francis Guinan/ Robert Machray/Roxanne Hart/ Jamie Hanes/Forrest Landis.
THE DITTISHAM NATIVITY....2004
23 Dec 04. By Brian Patten. Acted by the children of Dittisham.
THE WALL....2004
23 Jun 04. Afternoon Play. Every day Flo goes and visits The Watts
Memorial Wall of Heroic Deeds in Postman's Park. Years ago,
when she was a young woman and about to be engaged, something
happened which has haunted her ever since.
Flo ........ Stella Quilley,
Len ....... Paul Nicholson,
Sarah Smith .......... Niamh Cusack,
Samuel Rabbeth ........... Paul Venables,
Mary Rogers ........... Amelia Bullmore,
Boy .......... Felix Drake,
Producer: Kate McAll.
WESTWOOD....2004
Classic Serial by Stella Gibbons. Began 16 May 04.
LIKE AN ANGEL....2004
7 May 04. A cabbie is in love. His elderly passenger wants to talk about the war. With Freddie Jones as the old man and Sean Hughes as the cabbie.
Starved for Love ....2002
By Chrissie Gittins It's 1934 and newlyweds Lillian and Frank Travel to Blackpool to become a "starving bride and groom", one of the most popular seafront attractions. With Patricia Routledge, Emma Cunniffe, David Birrell, Roland Oliver, Pual Nicholson, Chris Donnelly, Bonnie Hurren, Jonathan Nibbs, June Barrie and Dee Sadler. Producer Kate McAll.
OUR MAN IN ATHENS....2001
By Tom Holland. 30 Jul 01.
Thucydides' history of the Peloponnesian War is not an obvious candidate for radio dramatisation, but Tom Holland's Our Man in Athens (R4 1415 30 Jul 01) made it accessible to the ordinary listener. A veteran war reporter finds himself under siege in the studios of Radio Free Athens, under attack by Sparta. John Simpson, the BBC correspondent, played Thucydides, and the cast included Tim Piggott-Smith, Sean Barratt and Bill Wallis......ND, VRPCC newsletter.
ANNE LINDHBERG'S DIARY OF A KIDNAPPING....2001
Ad. Rchael Joyce. 8 May 01. Drama-doc; no happy ending. Tragic tale.
THE AFRICAN QUEEN....2001
Nothing like the film. Saturday play, 10 Mar 01. Tara Fitzgerald and Jamie Foreman instead of Bacall and Bogart. 60m.
HANGING FROM THE SKY....2000
Stone Age solstice ceremonies. By Rachel Bentham. Drama-doc. 12 Dec 00.
LETTERS FROM A STRANGE LAND....1999
by John Clifford. The story of Will Adams, dir. Kate McAll. 15 Mar 99.
THE SILENCE OF MEMORY....1998
9 Nov 98. Afternoon play.
JUST THE WAY YOU ARE....1998
Sci-fi play about love and cloning, by Tina Pepler. See TP's page.
Nigel Deacon / Diversity website
Most of the above plays known to exist in VRPCC collections
