Recent BBC radio output that’s really caught my attention, and which is available on iPlayer at the time of writing. Remember, this is just a small sample of the huge variety on offer.
John Lennon’s Last Day
written by Stephen Kennedy, directed by James Robinson
The story of John Lennon on 8 December 1980 – they day of his tragic assassination by Mark Chapman. This is a skilfully produced drama featuring Ian Hart in what is surely his signature role, and some incredible music. The assassination scene is particularly well done, with wonderful audio beneath the dialogue. You may also be interested in Snodgrass, an adaptation by David Quantick of Ian R MacLeod’s alternate timeline short story that considers what might have happened to Lennon had he prematurely left The Beatles.
The Price of Oil – The Weapon
written by Jonathan Myerson, directed by Jonquil Panting
An extremely dramatic account of the OPEC hostage crisis that unfolded from 21 December 1975. Great stuff, with a very modern feel.
Between the Ears: Eschatology
“A radiophonic drama about the end of the world.” An interesting piece from Radio 3 featuring music and sound effects composed and performed by Langham Research Centre using vintage electronic instruments and tape technology.
I also enjoyed the following but they are no longer available on iPlayer:
Undercover Mumbai
by Ayeesha Menon, directed by John Dryden
A grippping drama set and recorded in Mumbai.
Fifteen Minutes
by Sarah Wooley, directed by Gaynor Macfarlane.
Brilliant performances by all, but particularly Tobias Menzies as Andy Warhol.
A Small Piece of Silence
by Katie Hims, directed by Susan Roberts.
Another belter from Hims tackling prejudice and preconceptions.
See my previous radio drama posts here.
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Martin Sketchley 