Matthew Solon
Radio Plays

In addition to these, Matthew has written many other radio pieces on political, social, and historical subjects, including docu-dramas about the Greek debt crisis and other contemporary issues.

His work is known for rich characterisation, thorough research, and the ability to make compelling radio drama about complex real-world events.

NOTES ON SOME OF THE PLAYS

The second series of TAKEOVER, by Ayeesha Menon and Matthew Solon (R4, 1415, four episodes beginning 11 Jul 22) returns us to the world of the super-wealthy and a family at war with itself. Business mogul Ravi Majumdar will do whatever it takes to claw back control of his global empire. The leads were taken by Rajit Kapur, Abhin Galeya and Amrita Acharya. Sound Design was by Eloise Whitmore, original music by Sacha Puttnam, Mike Walker edited the script and the producers were Emma Hearn and Nadir Khan. The Director and Executive Producer was John Dryden, for Goldhawk. (....ND, 'Diversity' review, Sep 2022)

TAKEOVER (R4, 1415, 4 eps beginning 28 Jun 21) was another high-quality drama from Goldhawk by Ayeesha Menon and Matthew Solon; it's about a self-made billionaire and his family; high-stake deals and sibling rivalry set in the world of the super wealthy. Ravi Majumdar takes his four privileged children back to India so that they may see first-hand where he came from; he will decide which one of them will be his successor. The children - Amit, Zara, Shaan and Maya - fight for their father's affections and empire. Meanwhile a complication arises; there's an outsider to be considered who may make a better successor than anyone in the family. This was another excellent listen. Ravi was played by Rajit Kaput, Anya by Dolya Gavanski and Ash by Abhin Galeya. It was produced by Emma Hearn and Nadir Khan, directed by John Dryden and was recorded in the UK and India. (....ND, 'Diversity' review, Sep 2021)

17 Dec 2015: Greek Drama
By Matthew Solon, dir. John Dryden (Indie, Goldhawk). A docu-drama based on Matthew Solon's research into the Greek debt crisis and bail-out of summer 2014. As Greece and its creditors argued over terms, decisions were thrashed out in secret, behind closed doors. This is the inside story. Alexis Tsipras: George Georgio, Yanis Varoufakis: Pano Masti, Jeroen Dijsselbloem: Tice Oakfield, Angela Merkel: Gabrielle Schamitzky, Wolfgang Schauble: Eric Redman, George Chouliarakis: Christopher Sciueref, Illias Kartalis: John Ioannou. Producer: Emma Hearn.

2015-03-23, Recent Events at Collington House, 2
A battle of beliefs in a return to Collington House, a secondary school in the Midlands with a large proportion of students from Muslim families.

Part 1 (first broadcast in August 2014 and to be repeated on Friday 20th March 2015) saw new head Roz Taylor's inclusive multi-faith approach at odds with the beliefs of Abdul Lateef Shah, one of the Muslim parent governors.

Part 2 returns to the school some months later where the school governors are becoming increasingly polarised. This is a fictional drama that attempts to gets behind the news headlines, examines what is actually meant by "Islamisation" and considers how different faiths can co-exist in our schools on a day-to-day level. Written by Matthew Solon; researcher: Eva Kryslak. Roz Taylor ........ Heather Craney, Abdul Lateef Shah ........ Neil D'Souza, Jaffer n Sadiq ....... Sam Dastor, John Roberts ........ Philip Jackson, Mrs Barlow ........ Becci Gemmell, PC Khan ...... Jaz Deol, Mr Noorani ......... Rez Kempton, PC Khan ........ Rez Kempton, Ashik Naseer ........ Michael Karim, Darren Barlow .......... Harry Kirton, Sound: Steve Bond. Producer: Emma Hearn. Director: John Dryden. Indie (Goldhawk).

RECENT EVENTS AT COLLINGTON HOUSE....2014
This drama, by Matthew Solon (R4, 1415, 7 Aug 14) was an indie production from Goldhawk, set in a school in a Midland town where the new head teacher of a school in a Midlands town is eager to accommodate all faiths and cultures without discrimation of any kind. However, one of the school governors proves to be difficult; he is an intolerant Muslim, with no time for those who hold different values from his own, and he regards the school (and, it seems, virtually everyone in it) as failing in its duty of care towards his daughter. This was a thought-provoking play, brilliantly acted, about a clash of cultures, and two strong-minded individuals both utterly unable to understand the other's point of view. The head, driven to exasperation by Mr. Shah's intransigence, clearly wondered "if you dislike the school, the country and its freedoms so much, why don't you return to the repressed regime you came from?" The head teacher was played by Heather Craney and Mr. Shah by Neil D'Souza; John Dryden produced. (....ND, 'Diversity' review, Sep 2014)

Cast list: Heather Crany, Neil dD'Souza, Sam Dastor, Tracy Ifeachor, Philip Jackson, Becci Gemmill, Jaz Deol. Producer - John Dryden.

THE BID (2 Dec 11, 2100, Friday Play) was a docu-drama about England's failed bid to host the FIFA 2018 World Cup, by Matthew Solon. In the days before the story begins, the BBC had (irresponsibly, according to many observers) broadcast a 'Panorama' programme which was highly critical of FIFA, accusing it of various sorts of corruption. The story is about the negotiations which took place in Zurich shortly afterwards, and the relationship between the England representatives and the FIFA committee prior to the vote on 2 Dec 2010.

The play is based on interviews with those involved. There were some fictional scenes, added for dramatic effect; this can attract criticism, but the audience has to know where it is. You can't expect a coherent plot without a bit of artifice. The cast included Chris Villiers as David Cameron, James Hurn as David Beckham (and Prince William), and Larrington Walker as Jack Warner. The director was John Dryden, working for Goldhawk Essential Productions. (....ND, 'Diversity' review, Dec 2011)


HOW TO MAKE YOUR FIRST BILLION....2010
Originally broadcast in 10 parts on the World Service on 10 Mar 2010. By Matthew Solon; dir. John Dryden. This was a fascinating glimpse into the midset of those who have masterminded some of the technical innovations in Silicon Valley, including the creation of Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other iconic 'brands'. It was broadcast on two adjacent afternoons at 2.15: 19-20 Apr 10. It was billed in RT as a drama-documentary. Cast included Thomas Lazur, Zafar Karachiwala, Katie Rubin and Cassidy Brown.

There are some film clips associated with the play on youtube. Here are the links:
clip1... clip2... clip3...

More about this on the John Dryden page.


FIVE DAYS IN MAY....2010
6 Nov 10. Britain: the collapse of the Labour government's support in 2010 and its replacement with a coalition led by David Cameron.

FIVE DAYS IN MAY was a topical political drama (6 Nov 2010, R4) by Matthew Solon, a fictionalised reconstruction of the events just before the formation of the first coalition government in Britain for 70 years. The play was based on interviews with some of those who were there, and with political journalists. David Cameron was played by Samuel West, Nick Clegg by Nicholas Boulton, Gordon Brown by Gerard Kelly, Peter Mandelson by Henry Goodman, and Ed Balls by John Sessions. It received a glowing writeup by Eddie Mair in "Radio Times". This was an independent production by "Goldhawk Essential", the script by Matthew Solon and the production by John Dryden. 'Diversity' drama review, Dec 2010

More on the 2010 plays page.

Three passengers unlucky in love had simultaneous nervous breakdowns, then sought to rewrite the scripts of their lives - all before the next flight to Dubrovnik...at least the two played by Samantha Bond and Matthew Solon; Robert Gwylim temporarily transferred his angst to the task of getting the best out of the airline-issue meal vouchers - on balance, the most convincing storyline. (....part of a review from "The Stage", edited by N.D.)

29th April 1995: 14.30: Post-election Lives by Matthew Solon
South Africa is enjoying Constitution Day to celebrate the anniversary of the country's first democratic elections. A few days earlier, the exiled Ruth Mabuza McCleod and her youngest son, Chris, arrived in Johannesburg to prepare for the family's eventual return.
Recorded on location in and around Johannesburg, this story will be completed moments before going on air and will be broadcast from SA-fm to Radio 4 via satellite.
Director John Dryden.
A co-production with SA-fm
Ruth: Juanita Ageh
Vikele: John Matshikiza
Chris: Don Gilet
Nonceba: Nombulelo Tyawa
Lauretta: Helene Truter
Hazel: Nomhle Nkonyene
Duncan: Joe Dunlop
Lindy: Adjoa Andoh

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