Some recent BBC drama or podcast 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.
As Innocent as You Can Get
written by Rex Obano, directed by David Hunter
A contemporary urban play written in a very cool, Shakespearean rhyming style. The meter bounces the story along in something of a contrast to its relatively dark tone. “A story about guilt and innocence focusing on two men. One is a prison psychologist and the other a prisoner convicted under ‘joint enterprise’.”
Spoonface Steinberg
written by Lee Hall, produced by Kate Roland
A wonderfully written and performed monologue from the viewpoint of Spoonface – a terminally ill, autistic 7-year old. It sounds grim, but Spoonface will draw you in with her powerful and unique view of the world. A remarkable performance from Becky Simpson in the title role who by my reckoning was just 10 or 11 years old when this play was first broadcast at the beginning of 1997.
Demon Brother
written by Matthew Broughton, directed by James Robinson
A dark two-parter about identical twin brothers, Jasper and Eddie, their relationships with each other, their father and all those around them. A play with twists and turns and a sting in the tail.
The Bat Man
written by Amelia Bullmore, directed by Mary Peate
If you’re enjoying the return of Happy Valley – and why wouldn’t you be? – check out this play written by Bullmore, who plays Happy Valley’s Vicky Fleming. Starring Bill Nighy, Katherine Parkinson, Jenny Agutter and Home Front’s Sean Baker, The Bat Man skips along with a wry humour that perfectly compliments the characters’ backgrounds and motivations.
and finally…
Season six of Home Front… has finished! The end of each season always catches me out and this was no exception. The writing and acting performances in Home Front are always wonderful but the last two weeks, written by Shaun McKenna, have been absolute belters, shifting from the comedic to dramatic depths and everything between. I have a feeling that somewhere down the line, however, Team Home Front is going to break my heart as far as one particular character is concerned.
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Martin Sketchley 