David Ian Neville: Radio Plays
I met David Neville at the Imison / Tinniswood Awards in October 2010. He works for BBC Scotland, and is an experienced producer of radio drama. I have listed a few of his more recent productions below (simply a summary of BBC blurb in most cases, for which I apologise). Older items are lower down.
N.D.
2020-10-02, Behind Closed Doors: 3-3 Protection
By Clara Glynn. The last in a series of three dramas set inside legal hearings. This one is set at the Court of Protection. Mary has been in a Minimally Conscious State for over three years following a road accident. Barrister Rebecca Nyman is representing her husband who feels it is time to allow his wife to die.
Barrister Rebecca Nyman ......Clare Corbett,
Mr Buchar.............Vincent Ebrahim,
Justice Rainer ............. Elizabeth Bennett
Gavin Howell .............Ewan Bailey
Emily Howell ................... Amy Shindler,
Dr Raplock and Mrs. Forest ................... Clare Perkins,
Professor Rushmore ................... Brian Protheroe,
Megan Trantor ................... Bettrys Jones,
Producer .......... David Ian Neville.
Behind Closed Doors, 3-2: Section
By Clara Glynn. Barrister Rebecca Nyman is representing a client at a Mental Health Tribunal. Andrew has been in a High Security Mental Hospital for seven years, now he thinks he's fit to be released. But will the Tribunal agree?
Barrister Rebecca ............. Clare Corbett,
Andrew ......... Joe Sims,
Judge ............ David Holt,
Dr Ruckman ........... Katherine Igoe,
Dr Reynolds ......... David Timson,
Wendy ............ Adie Allen,
Charlotte Workman ........... Kirsty Oswald,
Margosha ......... Nicola Ferguson,
Producer .......... David Ian Neville.
Behind Closed Doors, 3-1: Contact
By Clara Glynn. Today's drama is set in the Family Courts where Harry, a sperm donor, is trying to get a court order to allow him to see his biological daughter. After the birth Harry visited Beth and got to know baby Molly. For a time Beth was happy for Harry to visit but she never intended to have a relationship with him or for him to become involved with Molly as a father.Barrister Rebecca is representing Beth - the mother - who is now in a lesbian relationship and would prefer Harry to keep his distance. Now a judge has to decide whether Harry should have any contact rights.
2020-03-23, 15 Minute Drama: 44 Scotland Street, 1-1
By Alexander McCall Smith. Series based on the residents of a fictitious tenement building in a real Edinburgh New Town street, inspired by Maupin's Tales of The City.
Anthropologist Domenica MacDonald observes the lives of her neighbours and the neighbourhood in Edinburgh's New Town. Pat, a new young tenant, arrives at 44 Scotland Street to share a flat with Bruce.
With its multiple-occupancy flats, Scotland Street is an interesting corner of the New Town, verging on the Bohemian, where haute bourgeoisie rubs shoulders with students and the more colourful members of the intelligentsia.
One of McCall Smith's particular talents is his ability to portray archetypes without resorting to stereotype or cliche. In McCall Smith's hands such characters retain charm and novelty, simultaneously arousing both mirth and empathy, 44 Scotland Street is vintage McCall Smith.
Carol Ann Crawford, Crawford Logan, James Mackenzie, Rosalind Sydney, Euan Lee, Samuel Keefe.
Music by Tom Cunningham;
Producer: David Ian Neville.
2020-01-16 Behind Closed Doors: Series 4 - Mediation
By Clara Glynn. Dramas set at legal hearings. Maud and Martin's widower father has died and left his whole estate to a twenty-two year-old dog walker. Why would he do such a thing? Can they challenge the will?
Barrister Rebecca .....Clare Corbett,
Martin Armstrong.....Stephen Rashbrook,
Maud Armstrong......Samantha Spiro,
Hope James.....Sarah Ovens, Producer: David Ian Neville.
2020-01-15, Behind Closed Doors: Series 4 - More Than Kissing
by Clara Glynn. The Court of Protection must decide if an eighteen year-old with learning difficulties should be allowed to have sex. Harry is an eighteen year-old with learning difficulties who enjoys and wants to have sex. His parents think he's too vulnerable and could be put at risk. The Court of Protection must decide what is best for him. Producer: David Neville.
2020-01-14, Behind Closed Doors: Series 4 - Best Interests
By Clara Glynn. Esti, a divorced Charedi Jewish mother, has come to the Family Courts to stop her ex-husband changing their children's schools. Yossi, the father, has left the Charedi community and wants his children to go to a co-ed schools. Barrister Rebecca Nyman represents the mother. Producer: David Neville.
2020-01-13: Behind Closed Doors: Series 4 - Life Chances
By Clara Glynn. Set in the Court of Protection. Emily has a history of anorexia. After collapsing at a Tube Station she has been admitted to an eating disorder unit for the third time. She is in a perilous state but refusing treatment. The hospital has come to court saying that unless they force-feed her she will die. Barrister Rebecca is in court acting for the Official Solicitor to look after the patient's interests.Clare Corbett, Amiera Darwish, Pter Forbes, Susan Jameson, Jack Klaff, Joanna Munro, Lucy Wells, Debbie Korley, Helen Clapp. Producer: David Ian Neville.
2019-09-20, The Lesson
By Virginia Gilbert. A drama looking at the fallout from a relationship between a teacher and his eighteen-year-old pupil, and the young woman, a troublemaking journalist, Cara, who tried to destroy it. James is doing the publicity rounds for his latest novel. His wife, heavily pregnant Alice, is desperate for him not to name the woman upon whom the central character is based: Cara. The complication is that a long time ago, Alice and Cara were close friends.
James ........ Harry Lloyd,
Alice ..... Fiona O'Shaughnessy,
Cara ....... Phoebe Fox,
Radio Presenters ......... Philip Fox,
Nurse and Jane ....... Julie Teal,
Producer ........ David Neville.
11 Aug 18: Saturday Play - The Bargain
By Ian Curteis, based on an actual meeting of Robert Maxwell and Mother Teresa in 1988, when she was visiting London. Maxwell wants Teresa to lend her name to a religious publishing venture. Rpt. from 2016. Maxwell: David Horovitch, Mother Teresa: Charlotte Cornwell, Sidekick: David Sibley, Sister: Geraldine Alexander. Producer: David Ian Neville.
2019-05-15, 15 Minute Drama - Cuckoo, Episode 3
By Jeremy Raison. After the death of his mother, Jennifer, in November 2017, the writer Jeremy Raison found letters, diaries, divorce transcripts and an unpublished manuscript. It was to be the beginning of an unexpected journey that would unravel some of the mystery of his late mother's troubled childhood. Jennifer was the youngest of four children, was kept away from school until she was a teenager, and educated by a nurse who would gradually take the place of her mother. It is set between the late 1920s and early 1940s and explores the story of Jennifer and her mother Theo.
Jeremy ........Ewan Bailey,
Theo .....Melody Grove,
Harold .....Christopher Harper,
Jennifer .......Rosie Cavaliero,
Young Jennifer .....Rosie Boore,
Producer/director: David Ian Neville.
FLYING BACKWARDS....2012
19 Jun 12. Radio play about making a radio play. By Jack Klaff.
Johnnie is back in Cape Town to record his new radio play - his first in his home town after many years abroad. In the cast, to Johnnie's surprise, is Vicki, with whom he had a passionate affair decades ago.
Cast:
Vicki/Maureen................Alice Krige,
Johnnie..................Jack Klaff,
Ma..........Doreen Mantle,
Deon/Andrew/Bruce........Vincent Ebrahim,
Tyrone................Don McCorkindale,
Michelle/Lizzie.............Helen Szymczak.
Producer/Director: David Ian Neville.
PINKERTON....2010
By Ronald Frame, R4, Tues 2 Mar 2010; set in the new immigrant community in America in the 1840s. Scotsman Allan Pinkerton turns detective when an influx of fake money threatens the local economy. Cast: Forbes Masson, Rachel Ogilvy, Sam Dale, Marcella Riordan, Alison Pettitt. Robert Jezek, John Biggins, Bruce Alexander. Producer David Ian Neville.
LEGACY....2010
Devised and produced by David Ian Neville. 1st episode 22 Aug 2010. Two episodes a week apart. BBC R7, 1830-1900. Drama with a linked online audio game. Twins Harry and Jules are left a legacy which might just kill them....
When Jules and Harry go in search of their grandmother's legacy, secrets from the past are uncovered and lives, including their own, are put at risk. It emerges that their grandmother worked for the secret services during the war and helped to develop the Legacy Project - a secret weapon to disrupt and defeat the Nazis in the event of Britain being invaded.
It should have been deactivated after the war, but was secretly kept in commission. Now Harry and Jules have been left the challenge of finding and deactivating it. However others are on the trail, and not everyone has peaceful intentions.
The drama is further explored in the Legacy adventure game, which was available online at bbc.co.uk/radioscotland when the drama was broadcast.
Legacy game producer Brendan Crowther. BBC Scotland Radio Drama; BBC Scotland New Media co-production.
FIREWORKS AT THE VILLA LUCIA....2009
31 12 2009 Thursday BBC Radio 4 14:15 Afternoon Play Fireworks at the Villa Lucia. Comedy drama by Paul Mendelson. When Pete; a struggling TV writer; and his wife Julie find themselves staying in the same Italian villa as cult movie Director David Joe Jakes tries to sell his dog-eared screenplay as the true story of how he met his wife. The fireworks begin when he pressgangs his wife into pretending to be a fiery; psychotic; Venezuelan ex-soap star; while he masquerades as her psychoanalyst. With Philip Whitchurch; Samantha Bond; Kerry Shale; Megg Nicol. Pete ...... Philip Whitchurch Julie/Julia ...... Samantha Bond David ...... Kerry Shale Cassie ...... Megg Nicol Lucia/Mrs Booth ...... Flamina Cinque Elio/Eric ...... Dan Starkey, Directed by David Ian Neville.
BEST FRIENDS....2009
7 9 2009 Monday BBC Radio 4 14:15 Afternoon Play Best Friends By Clara Glynn. When Charlotte is convicted of killing her baby; her best friend Sam begins a campaign to clear her name and find out the truth. Sam ...... Shonagh Price Charlotte ...... Louise Ludgate David ...... Robin Laing Hamish/Radio presenter ...... Steven McNicoll Archie ...... Crawford Logan Weather girl/Prison guard ...... Kirstin Murray Rory ...... Cameron McNee, Directed by David Ian Neville.
DESPERATE MEASURES....2009
18 6 2009 Thursday BBC Radio 4 14:15 Afternoon Play Desperate Measures. Written by David Ian Neville. In an old warehouse by the River Clyde; Paul and Mhairi Blaze have built a successful design company. But as the economic downturn bites; they need more than grand designs to save their business and their relationship. Mhairi ...... Gabriel Quigley Paul ...... Neil McKinven Clara ...... Daniela Nardini Helen ...... Molly Innes Charli ...... Nicola Jo Cully Harry ...... Phil McKee, Directed by Kirsty Williams.
CONSIDERATION....2009
24 4 2009 Friday BBC Radio 4 21:00 Friday Play, by Robert Messik. Eleanor did not hesitate to donate a kidney to her husband when he needed it. But two years later Peter left her and their children for another woman. Now she is suing him for the return of her kidney. Eleanor ...... Tracy-Ann Oberman, Peter ...... Paul Bown, Eleanor's barrister/Simon ...... Richard Derrington, Peter's barrister/Mary ...... Tracy Wiles, Alexia/Miss Tonnel ...... Alison Pettitt, Tony/Judge ...... Andrew Sachs. Dr Rosen/Ben Grant ...... David Bannerman. Producer: David Neville.
SUNSET SONG....2009
15 3 2009 Sunday BBC Radio 4 15:00 Classic Serial Sunset Song Episode 1 :Gerda Stevenson's dramatisation of the 1932 novel by Lewis Grassic Gibbon; set in north-east Scotland before and during the First World War. Chris Guthrie is torn between her love of the land and her ambition to become a teacher. As Chris' domineering father struggles with the harshness of the land; her mother's fear of childbirth leads her to despair. Chris Guthrie ...... Lesely Hart John Guthrie ...... Liam Brennan Jean Guthrie ...... Bridget McCann Will Guthrie ...... Gordon Brandie Mistress Munro ...... Estrid Barton Long Rob ...... Matthew Zajac Chae Strachan ...... Douglas Russell Kirsty Strachan ...... Shonagh Price Margot Strachan ...... Sally, Reid Ewan Tavendale ...... Finn Den Hertog ; producer David Neville.
22 3 2009 Sunday BBC Radio 4 15:00 Classic Serial Sunset Song Episode 2 : After her father's death; Chris is determined to stay and work the farm alone if need be. Joined by Ewan Tavendale in marriage and on the farm; Chris gives birth to a son. But the outbreak of the First World War brings devastating change to her family; the rural landscape and the community. Chris Guthrie ...... Lesely Hart Ewan Tavendale ...... Finn Den Hertog Chae Strachan ...... Douglas Russell Long Rob ...... Matthew Zajac Mistress Munro ...... Estrid Barton Kirsty Strachan ...... Shonagh Price Rev Colquohoun ...... Fraser Sivewright Rev Gibbon ...... Keith Hutcheon . Producer David Neville.
JUBA FM....2008
11.1.2008. John Tuckey's fictionalised dramatisation of events during the months leading up to the signing of the peace treaty in Southern Sudan in 2005. Shima Paul ...... Anna Bengo Phil Hardy ...... Struan Rodger Matthew Lako ...... Cyril Nri Rejoice Bonju ...... Adjoa Andoh Hassan Peter ...... David Baker Michael ...... Mo Sesay Lucy ...... Janice Acquah. Directed by David Ian Neville.
BLAZE....2008
24.7.2008. Blaze, by Ann Marie Di Mambro. The public image of Scottish designers and entrepreneurs Paul and Mhairi Blaze is that of two people with the Midas touch. But as a young film maker follows their every move; their personal and professional world goes into freefall. Paul Blaze ...... Neil McKinven Mhairi Blaze ...... Kate Dickie Jean/Sarah ...... Carol Ann Crawford Garry ...... Kenny Blyth Rachel ...... Hannah Donaldson Eddie/presenter ...... Sandy Grierson Daniel/reporter ...... Jamie Brotherston. Producer David Neville.
DOVER AND THE UNKINDEST CUT OF ALL....2008
9.8.2008. Saturday Play. Comedy thriller by Joyce Porter; set in the 1970s; dramatised by Paul Mendelson. Chief Inspector Dover's annual seaside break becomes a busman's holiday with the death of a local policeman. Was it suicide and was it linked to the recent murder of a well-known gangster? It's another strange case for Scotland Yard's laziest detective. Chief Inspector Dover ...... Kenneth Cranham Sgt McGregor ...... Stuart McQuarrie Chief Constable ...... Philip Madoc Mrs Dover ...... Carolyn Pickles Sgt Rhys-Smith ...... Gareth Armstrong Joey the Jock ...... Ben Crowe Miss Ffiske ...... Jennifer Hill Sandra Pugh ...... Siwan Morris Directed by David Ian Neville.
THE HAVERSTOCK HILL MURDER....2008
18. 10 .2008. Saturday Play. By George R Sims; dramatised by Roger Danes. Renowned Victorian lady detective Dorcas Dene is commissioned by a desperate mother to save her son from the gallows after he is accused of the brutal murder of his wife. The problem is that the victim named her husband as the assailant with her dying breath. Paul Dene ...... Greg Powrie Dorcas Dene ...... Lucy Paterson Mrs.Hannaford ...... Edith Macarthur Inspector Swanage ...... Finlay McLean PC Hargreaves ...... Mark McDonnell Charles Hannaford ...... Nick Farr Flash George ...... Terry Wale Martha Drayson ...... Noreen Leighton Produced by Patrick Rayner. Directed by David Ian Neville.
BROKEN ENGLISH....2008
15.2.2008.The Friday Play. Frank Deasy's play tells the story of a Kurdish family detained in Dungavel for over a year and living under the constant threat of deportation. Their plight became a cause celebre; raising questions in the Scottish Parliament and beyond. Beriwan Ay ...... Livia Arditti, Yurdagul Ay ...... Pembe Peri-Natgi, Gus (prison officer) ...... Stuart McQuarrie, Margaret (prison officer) ...... Carolyn Bonnyman, James Elliot ...... Mark Straker, Police officer/transport officer ...... Saikat Ahamed, Jayne Cummings ...... Robin Weaver, Bishop John Mone ...... David Ashton, Teacher/policewoman ...... Tracy Wiles, Ukrainian boy ...... Daniel Lane, Medja ...... Carly Schogger, Dilowan ...... Sam Marzell, Newroz ...... Teresa O'Brien. With Kirsty Wark and Andrew Cassell. Directed by David Ian Neville.
compiled by Nigel Deacon / Diversity website
