Rib Davis Radio Plays
Rib has been playwright, oral historian, author, director and community arts worker since about 1980.
He has written for stage, screen and radio, has written two books and edited a number of others, has directed community arts projects and is also known for his work in oral history and oral history theatre.
His website is at http://ribdavis.com
We are looking for recordings of the following plays:
THIRTY MINUTE THEATRE- ‘Can’t Complain’, 24/2/81
AFTERNOON THEATRE- ‘Family’, 9/4/81
THIRTY MINUTE THEATRE- ‘Corridor’, 12/3/83
THE AFTERNOON PLAY- ‘A Few Kind Words’, 18/12/84
THE MONDAY PLAY- ‘Dust’, 12/5/86
THE MONDAY PLAY- ‘Add Life To Years’, 3/2/92
The dates given are first broadcast dates.
RIB DAVIS- RADIO MATERIAL
#JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT- ‘Tutorial’, 9/9/79 (repeated in ‘Double Act’, 26/3/80)
#JUST BEFORE MIDNIGHT- ‘Your Own Boss’, 2/11/79
#‘Why?’ 31/3/81 (in ‘Double Act’)
#THIRTY MINUTE THEATRE- ‘Can’t Complain’, 24/2/81
#AFTERNOON THEATRE- ‘Family’, 9/4/81
THIRTY MINUTE THEATRE- ‘Corridor’, 12/3/83
THE AFTERNOON PLAY- ‘A Few Kind Words’, 18/12/84
THE MONDAY PLAY- ‘Dust’, 12/5/86
THE MONDAY PLAY- ‘The People’s Woman’, 10/6/91
THE MONDAY PLAY- ‘Add Life To Years’, 3/2/92
AFTERNOON PLAY- ‘Unwritten Law’ (series one), 10/7/98 onwards (4 plays)
AFTERNOON PLAY- ‘Unwritten Law’ (series two), 1/12/99 onwards (4 plays)
‘Ritchie’s Law’, 7/9/88
‘Betrayers’, 23/9/93
BETWEEN THE EARS- ‘Everything Will Be Fine’, 3/2/2001
MURDER MOST FOUL series, 10/1/92 onwards (6 parts)
MURDER MOST FOUL series, 5/3/93 onwards (6 parts)
MURDER MOST FOUL series, 15/4/94 onwards (6 parts)
BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT (some of this 1996 series, 6 parts)
UNWRITTEN LAW (1998 series, 6 parts)
#= under name Robert Davis
NOTES ON SOME OF THE PLAYS
1983-03-12
14:05 - Thirty-Minute Theatre
Corridor, by Rib Davis
When he went to prison, Roy and Maureen did intend to keep their family united. But the walls that keep Roy in keep Maureen out and a prosperous future together just gets more and more difficult to believe in.
Producer .......... Margaret Windham,
Roy .......... Kenneth Cranham,
Maureen .......... Lorna Heilbron.
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1984-12-18
15:00 - The Afternoon Play
A Few Kind Words
by Rib Davis.Tommy has spent all his working life down a Derbyshire mine. Now he's retired and looking to his daughter and her family for some help with the future. But Jenny has grown away from her Hkeston roots and when her father pays a rare visit, it seems that, once again, he is going to ask for the impossible....
Producer: Vanessa Whitburn,
Tommy: Emrys James,
Jenny: Patricia Gallimore,
Roy: Terry Molloy,
Louise: Jayne Dowell.
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1986-05-12
20:15 - The Monday Play
Dust by RIB DAVIS
Ray Stock is a 'go-getter' who sets up a private refuse collection for cost-cutting local councils. His methods in business are ruthless and effective but will the same tactics work in his private life?
Producer: Philip Martin,
Ray: Bryan Marshall,
Gill: Fleur Chandler,
Alison: Joan Walker,
John: Geoff Serle,
Alec: Dave Mitty,
George: Terry Molloy,
Guy: Roger Hume,
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1986-05-17
14:00 - The Afternoon Play
Dust by RIB DAVIS
Ray Stock 's methods in business are ruthless. Will the same tactics work in his private life? BBC Birmingham.
Producer .......... Philip Martin,
Ray .......... Bryan Marshall,
Gill .......... Fleur Chandler.
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1991-06-10
19:45 - The Monday Play
The People's Woman
By Rib Davis. Meg is delighted to win a seat in the local council elections - little realising the changes this will bring to her life.
Pianist: Harold Rich,
Producer:: Philip Martin,
Meg: Moir Lesue,
Paul: Terry Molloy,
Nick: Kim Durham,
Aileen: Amelda Brown,
Joe: Judy Bennett,
Cresswel/: Roger Hume,
Pat: Gillian Goodman,
Andrew: David Vann,
Graham: Simon Carter,
Stuart: Sean Connolly.
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1992-01-10
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Six more murder cases where forensic evidence helped trap the murderer. Narrated by Nick Ross.
1: The Wheels of Justice
In wartime London, Rachel Dobkin is reported missing by her sister. A body is found in a south London church. Can Dr Keith Simpson prove it to be the murdered remains of Mrs Dobkin ? By Rib Davis.
Dr Keith Simpson: Brett Usher, Harold Dobkin: Ronald Herdman, with John Church, Terence Edmond, Joanna Myers, Peter Penry-Jones, John Webb, Ann Windsor, Andrew Wincott and Matthew Sim
Producer Fiona McLean.
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1992-01-24
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Narrated by Nick Ross.
3: The Perfect Murder?
Elizabeth Barlow was found drowned in her bath in May 1957. She showed signs of having been drugged but no trace of any substance could be found. Had someone committed the perfect murder? By Rib Davis.
With David Learner, Nicholas Murchie, Joanna Myers, Matthew Sim,
Theresa Streatfeild and Peter Gunn.
Producer Fiona McLean.
Music: Noel Tredinnick.
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1992-02-03
20:00 - The Monday Play
Add Life to Years
Andrea runs an NHS
Health Education Unit team. When a marketing jProducer: is appointed to sell I community care, Andrea finds her job and beliefs under threat.
By Rib Davis.
Director Philip Martin.
Andrea: Moir Leslie,
Sebastian: John Dixon,
DrCarr: Gerry Hinks,
Fiona: Patricia Gallimore,
Geoff: Andy Hockley,
Brian: Geoff Serle,
Stephanie: Susan Mansell,
Tim: David Holt,
Dr Jones: Terry Molloy,
John: Alex Jones.
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1992-02-07
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Narrated by Nick Ross.
5: Murder on the Farm.
Steven Jameson has been poisoned by paraquat which his wife accidentally spilled in a stew. But his doctor believes that Steven has been murdered. By Rib Davis. With Ronald Herdman. John Church, John Webb, Ann Windsor, Peter Penry-Jones, Kate Binchy, Eric Allan, Brett Usher, Jonathan Adams and Melanie Hudson.
Producer Fiona McLean.
Alice Jameson: Moya O'Shea,
StevenJameson: David Learner,
DrThompson: Keith Drinkel.
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1993-03-05
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Six murder cases featuring the pathologist Dr Keith Simpson.
1 .......... The Fingerless Strangler
In the Portsmouth blitz, a pub landlady is found strangled. Suspicion falls on a petty crook, Harold Loughans, but he had lost the fingers of one hand in an accident. Could he have strangled the woman? And why did he face three trials? Narrator Nick Ross. By Rib Davis. Producer Fiona McLean.
Dr Keith Simpson .......... Keith Drinkel,
Harold Loughans .......... Eric Allan,
Maude KC .......... Brett Usher,
with Jonathan Adams, John Evitts, Geraldine Fitzgerald, John Fleming, Barry J Gordon, Dominic Letts, Jillie Meers, David Thorpe. James Tolfer, John Webb.
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1993-03-12
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
2: The Body in the Chalkpit
In 1946, a man's body was discovered lying in a shallow trench, a noose around his neck. Was it suicide by hanging? If so, how did the body come to be found in a Surrey chalkpit? Narrator Nick Ross.
By Rib Davis.
Dr Keith Simpson: Keith Drinkel,
Dr Eric Cardner: Stephen Thorne,
Thomas Ley: Barry J Gordon,
with Jonathan Adams, Philip Anthony, Geraldine Fitzgerald, John Fleming, Matthew Morgan, Katherine Parr and John Webb.
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1993-03-19
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
3: Hitchhike to Murder.
The strangled body of a hitchhiker is found by the roadside, her belongings Strewn around. But one thing is missing - a yellow String bag. Later it's found in a lake miles away. But how did it get there, and is this a crucial clue? Narrator Nick Ross. By Rib Davis.
Producer: Hilary McLennan,
Dr Keith Simpson: Keith Drinkel,
Fabian: Barry J Gordon,
Rowlings: Julian Rhind-Tutt.
With Sandra James Young. Dominic Letts, Jillie Meers, Diana Payan, John Evitts, Jonathan Adams and Jill Lidstone.
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1993-03-26
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
4 .......... The Wigwam Murders
Summer, 1942 .......... southern England is teeming with soldiers preparing for D-day. A young woman is living rough in a wigwam built by her soldier boyfriend. When her dead body is found, can Dr Keith Simpson prove that her boyfriend's knife was the murder weapon? Narrator Nick Ross. With Keith Drinkel as Dr Keith Simpson and John Guerrasio as August Sangret. Supporting cast - Jonathan Adams. John Evits, Barry J Gordon, Sandra Jarnes-Young, Dominic Letts, Jillie Meers, Julian Rhind-Tutt . Stephen Thorne and David Thorpe. By Rib Davis.
Producer .......... Fiona McLean
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1993-04-02
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
5: Death of the Lord of Life
In 1946, the 20-year-old King of Siam is found dead in his bedchamber. Dr Keith Simpson 's expertise is called upon as an attempt is made to establish if the King has been murdered. Narrator Nick Ross. Dr Keith Simpson ...Keith Drinkel, Dr Nit....Philip Sully, Chief Judge.....ChristopherGood, with John Evitts, David Thorpe. Diana Payan, David Holt, Steve Hodson. James Telfer, Philip Anthony and Julian Rhind-Tutt By Rib Davis Producer Fiona McLean. Music: Stephen Layton.
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1993-04-09
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Last of six murder cases featuring Dr Keith Simpson.
The Use of Maggots
The maggot-infested body of Peter Thomas is found in a Hampshire wood. The suspicion falls on a "Mr William Brittle ", who has borrowed a large sum of money from the murder victim, and failed to repay him.... Narrated by Nick Ross. Dr Keith Simpson - Keith Drinkel, with Federay Holmes, Rachel Atkins. David Sinclair, Jonathan Adams, David Thorpe, Jillie Meers, Diana Payan and John Fleming. By Rib Davis. Producer Hilary McLennan.
Reader: Alphonsia Emmanuel.
Producer: Stephen Layton.
Organist: Andrew Lucas.
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1993-09-23
14:00 - Betrayers
by Rib Davis. Esteban is granted a temporary visa to stay in Britain. When it expires he must choose between returning to face death or staying as an illegal immigrant.
Producer:: Philip Martin,
Esteban: Michael Maloney,
Beatrice: Anna Capaldi,
Mike: Michael Hadley,
Ewart/O'Brien: Graham Padden,
Omar: Adam Hussein,
Anmed: Marcus Fernando,
Luis/Interrogator: Eliud Porras,
Shiriey: Sunny Ormonde.
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1994-04-15
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
Six murder cases presented by Nick Ross.
1 .......... Of Fly Papers and Death.
In 1911, Miss Eliza Barrow died of apparently natural causes. But. over the previous 12 months, she had signed over the bulk of her assets to her landlord, a Mr Seddon. Could Seddon have murdered Eliza Barrow ? By Rib Davis.
Producer .......... Fiona McLean,
Frederick Seddon .......... Eric Allen,
Spilsbury .......... Brett Usher,
Man Chavtor .......... Siriol Jenkins,
Marshall Hall .......... John Evitts,
with Neville Jason, Paul Panting, Tom Bevan, Margaret John, Colin Pinney, Tina Gray, James Taylor, Gavin Muir and David Jarvis.
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1994-04-22
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
2.......Admissible Evidence.
When Bessie Mundy is found dead in her bath, it looks like a tragic accident. Then detectives discover that two other women have died in identical circumstances, and all three have been married to a certain George Joseph Smith. By Rib Davis.
Producer .......... Fiona McLean,
Narrator .......... Nick Ross,
George Smith .......... Jonathan Tafler,
Bessie Mundy .......... Oona Beeson.
With Brett Usher. John Evitts. Neville Jason. Gavin Muir, Rachel Atkins. MargaretJohn. David Thorpe and Colin Pinney.
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1994-04-29
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
3 .......... Somebody's Had a Bonfire.
When a body is found in a burned-out car, the investigating team search for a link between the corpse and the owner of the car who was a bigamist several times over. By Rib Davis.
Producer .......... Fiona McLean,
Arthur Rouse .......... Malcolm Ward,
Mrs Rouse .......... Elaine Claxton,
Superintendent Brumby .......... Colin Pinney.
With Brett Usher, Philip Sully, Neville Jason, James Taylor. Paul Panting, Deborah Berlin, Susannah Corbett. Tom Bevan and Gareth Armstrong.
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1994-05-06
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
4 .......... Of Bullets and Life Preservers
Manslaughter or murder? The difference to the man in the dock is prison or the gallows. For a certain Mr Chaplin, the lover of a dead man's widow, the pathologist's evidence is crucial. By Rib Davis. Producer Matt Thompson.
Bernard Spilsbury .......... Brett Usher,
Edward Chaplin .......... Michael Onslow,
Superintendent Sands .......... Gareth Armstrong,
Norman Birkett .......... Colin Pinney.
With Elaine Claxton, Tina Gray, Paul Panting, James Taylor, Stephen Thome and Peter Whitman.
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1994-05-13
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
5: A Matter of Timing.
Mrs Annie Louisa Kempson is found murdered in her home in August 1931. Soon, a local salesman has been arrested and charged. But can the Home Office pathologist and police prove the time of the crime precisely enough to prove a connection? By Rib Davis.
Producer: Fiona McLean,
Bernard Spilsbury: Brett Usher,
Chief Inspector Harwell: Malcolm Ward,
Sergeant Rees: Tom Bevan.
With Neville Jason. Oona Beeson. Margaret John, David Jarvis, Barry J Gordon. Peter Kenny, Michael Onslow and Elaine Claxton.
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1994-05-20
10:00 - Murder Most Foul
To the Hangman.
Wealthy widower Walter Dinnivan is found brutally murdered. There are rumours of women secretly visiting this pillar of the local community at home - but police focus their attention on a failed businessman, Joseph Williams. By Rib Davis.
Producer: Fiona Couper
Williams: Barry J Gordon
DCI Burt: Gavin Muir
Bernard Spilsbury: Brett Usher, With Lyndam Gregory. James Taylor, Neville Jason. Oona Beeson, Peter Kenny, Tom Bevan.
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1994-05-25
23:00 - Murder Most Foul
Last of six murder cases presented by Nick Ross.
To the Hangman.
Wealthy widower Walter Dinnivan is found brutally murdered.
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1996-04-05
10:00 - Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The files of six murder cases are reopened to examine possible miscarriages of justice.
3 .......... The Good Friend.
By Rib Davis. An intruder is spotted at the home of a countess. With Denys Hawthorne. Alice Arnold, David Timson, David Holt and John Hartley.
Producer Bella Bannerman. Series editor Fiona McLean.
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1996-04-19
10:00 - Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The files of six murder cases are re-opened to examine possible miscarriages of justice.
5 .......... Breaker of My Shackles.
Following the murder of an elderly woman in Glasgow, 1908, police charged Oscar Slater, a foreigner, with the crime. Narrated by Robert Kee. By Rib Davis.
Mr Adams .......... Sam Graham,
Lord Advocate .......... David Rintoul,
DI Pyper .......... Crawford Logan, with David Bannerman, Stephen Critchlow, Keith Drinkel, Joe Dunlop, Robert Harper, Ian Michie. Hilary Maclean, Gavin Muir, Colleen Prendergast, Gordon Reid and Patience Tomlinson.
Producer Matt Thompson. Series editor Fiona McLean.
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1996-04-26
10:00 - Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Case of Lock Ah Tam.
In 1920s
Liverpool, Lock Ah Tarn was known as a businessman and leader of the Merseyside Chinese community. Then, one night, he summoned the police to confess to the murder of his wife and two daughters. By Rib Davis and narrated by Robert Kee.
Producer Fiona Couper.
Margaret Sing .......... Jane Hogarth,
Marshall Hall .......... Denys Hawthorne,
Lock Ah Tarn .......... Ozzie Yue,
with Jonathan Adams. Peter Gunn.
Neville Jason, Peter Kenny, Paul Panting and Colleen Prendergast.
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1998-07-10
14:15 - Afternoon Play: Unwritten Law
Helena Kennedy QC presents four dramatised features about trials that brought about a change in the law because of changing social attitudes.
1 .......... A Case of Blasphemous Obscenity
In 1976 Mary Whitehouse brought a private prosecution against the editor of Gay News. Written and compiled by Rib Davis.
Producer: .......... Janet Whitaker,
Mary Whitehouse .......... Irene Sutcliffe,
Lemon .......... Julian Rhind-Tutt,
with Geoffrey Matthews. Charles Simpson.
Sean Baker. Edward De Souza. David Timson. James Greene, Geoffrey Whitehead and Christopher Scott.
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1998-07-17
14:15 - Afternoon Play .......... Unwritten Law
2 .......... The first-ever appeal against birching on the Isle of Man.
Written and compiled by Rib Davis.
Anthony Tyrer .......... David Antrobus,
MrTyrer .......... Gareth Armstrong,
Mrs Tyrer .......... Susan Sheridan,
with Don McCorkindale, Keith Drinkel, Gavin Muir, Jenny Lee and Steve Hodson.
Producer: .......... Peter Kavanagh.
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1998-07-24
14:15 - Afternoon Play:Unwritten Law
3 .......... The Case of the Ladies'Producer:y
By Rib Davis. No other details about this one.
Frederick Shaw .......... Iwan Thomas
Rees-Davis .......... Charles Simpson,
with Geoffrey Whitehead. Gareth Armstrong, Alastair Danson, Timothy Bateson. Stephen Thorne, Rosie Fellner and Kristin Milward.
Music by Simon Morecroft.Producer: Peter Kavanagh.
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1998-07-31
14:15 - Afternoon Play .......... Unwritten Law
85 Burglaries and a Phone Tap.
The trial of eight people in 1978 was to launch a much more important investigation into State secrecy.
James Malone .......... Jonathan Keeble
Margaret Malone .......... Jane Whittenshaw,
with Geoffrey Whitehead, Charles Simpson. Colin Starkey, Roger Hammond and Keith Drinkel. Written and compiled by Rib Davis.Producer: Janet Whitaker.
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1999-12-01
14:15 - Afternoon Play: Unwritten Law
Helena Kennedy QC presents a second series of four dramatised features about legal cases which led to a change in the law.
1: I've Only Just Learned to Cry.
The tragic story of Emma Humphries, who was tried at Nottingham Crown Court for the murder of her boyfriend in 1985. She never denied killing him but pleaded not guilty to murder on grounds of provocation.
Emma: Gemma Saunders
Hilary: Tracy Wiles
Helen Grindrod QC: Elizabeth Bell,
with Beth Chalmers, Stephen Critchlow, Ian Meredith and Tim Treloar. By Rib Davis.Producer: Janet Whitaker.
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1999-12-08
14:15 - Afternoon Play: Unwritten Law
2: Only a Phase by Rib Davis.
In 1975 in Belfast a group of young men met in a bar. They decided to appeal to the British Government for gay rights in Northern Ireland to bring them in line with England and Wales. It took six years.
Jeff: Stephen Hogan
Richard: Robert Patterson
Brian: Lloyd Hutchinson
Rev Ian Paisley: Harry Towb,
with Nicholas Boulton, David Jarvis, Fiona Clarke and Gavin Muir.Producer: Janet Whitaker.
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1999-12-15
14:15 - Afternoon Play: Unwritten Law
3: Breaking the Chain
By Rib Davis. A young
Jehovah's Witness dies after being stabbed. She has refused a blood transfusion and the question is whether or not she contributed to her own death or whether it was a straight case of murder.
Lord Justice Lawton/Dr Ennis - Andrew Heath.
W Steer QC: Julian Wadham,
Brenda Perkins: Elizabeth Bell,
Jacolyn Woodhead: Gemma Saunders,
Mr Justice Mocatta: John Turner,
Ron: John Turner,
Robert Blaue: Tom George,
Vilasini: Shireen Thome,
Jean: Shireen Thome,
Donald Herrod: Stephen Thorne,
DC Hocking: Tim Treloar,
James Comyn: Tim Treloar,
Producer:: Peter Kavanagh.
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1999-12-22
14:15 - Afternoon Play: Unwritten Law
4: On Self Deliverance
By Rib Davis.
In the seventies Exit published a booklet offering practical help to those wishing to commit suicide, technically a prisonable offence. How did the courts respond and has the ambiguity in the application of the law to cases of "mercy" or assisted killings changed in the nineties?
Producer: Peter Kavanagh,
Dr Colin Brewer: Tim Treloar,
Larry Hill: Gavin Muir,
Nicholas Reed: Iwan Thomas,
Roy Amlott: James Greene,
Jean Davis: Lynne Verrall,
Celia Fremlin: Elizabeth Bell,
Detective Superintendent: Ian Masters,
Mr Justice Lawton: John East,
Mr Justice Woolf: Derek Waring,
Narrator: Helena Kennedy QC.
Nigel Deacon / Diversity website; thanks to Norman Milburn for help in compiling this and to Richard Harrison for the summary.
