Drama of the Week

The Film by Martin Jameson April 1945. A Ministry of Information army film crew enters Bergen-Belsen to record the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust that many were already refusing to believe. But faced with all this footage, the head of the unit - Sidney Bernstein, is overwhelmed. He needs to get a film out there as soon as possible, but how to do justice to such suffering? So he summons his friend Alfred Hitchcock from Hollywood. And Bernstein - who later establishes Granada Television - determines that together they can create an irrefutable cinematic testimony. Sidney Bernstein - Henry Goodman, Alfred Hitchcock - Jeremy Swift, Richard Crossman - Geoffrey Streatfeild, Mrs Haig - Fenella Woolgar, Secretary - Hamilton Berstock. Production Co-ordinator - Vicky Moseley, Sound Design - Sharon Hughes, Technical Producer - Peter Ringrose, Studio Manager - Alison Craig and Producer/ Director - Gary Brown. A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4. With grateful thanks to documentary film maker Jane Wells, daughter of Sidney Bernstein, who generously helped with the research for this drama.

By Rex Obano 1988. Margaret Thatcher is now in her third term as Prime Minister. Hopeton is lonely and frustrated, living at his friend's boxing gym while fighting to get Joy and his family back. Meanwhile Joy is fighting to build a new life with Dhiren, combining their differing cultures. Can both of them succeed in getting their life back? Joy ..... Cherrelle Skeete Hopeton ..... Solomon Israel Dhiren Patel ..... Vikash Bhai Duke/Waiter ..... David Webber Glory ..... Trinity Benjamin Gujarati woman/Customer ..... Chetna Pandya Job Centre Assistant/Boxer/Store Manager ..... Lloyd Thomas Production Co-ordinators are Maggie Olgiati and Jenny Mendez Produced by Pat Cumper Directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike A BBC Studios Audio Production for BBC Radio 4 ***** Faith, Hope and Glory began following the lives of Hope, Faith (Eunice) and Gloria in the UK in 1946. Three generations of three families bound together by the fate of one baby lost and found on Tilbury Dock. All three are now settled in their lives in 1980s Britain. We have reached the late 1980s. A new generation of Black Britons is gaining in confidence and and seizing their place in Thatcher’s Britain, making their mark on the political, social, and creative fabric of their home and forming new bonds with other. Joy has married Dhiren and is adapting to his religion and way of life as he takes steps into hers to create a blended family. Joy’s ex-husband, Hopeton, is desperate not to let that happen.

By Gareth Farr On Christmas Eve 2002, a girl is born in a seemingly ordinary family-run Northern pub. That baby is Amy and from the moment of her birth the fate of the pub is inextricably linked with her own. Cracks that have always existed break wide open and as she grows, the foundations of this legendary local pub start to shake. Narrated by Amy, through intimate and lyrical language, we are guided through the first twenty-one years of her life to a point where she alone must decide the future of those closest to her. Sally . . . . . Siobhan Finneran Amy . . . . . Sophie Cox Brendan . . . . . Pearce Quigley Karen . . . . . Leah Brotherhead Mark . . . . . Matthew Durkan Jack . . . . . David Hounslow Younger Amy . . . . . Maddie Evans Even Younger Amy . . . . . Miriam Mitic Sound design: Peter Ringrose Production coordinator: Gaelan Connolly-Davis Director: Sasha Yevtushenko Gareth Farr is an award-winning playwright. He started work as an actor, working at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and West End as well at several regional theatres and on many TV roles. Gareth’s first stage play Britannia Waves the Rules (Manchester Royal Exchange) won a judge’s award at the Bruntwood Prize for Playwrighting. His other works include The Quiet House (Birmingham Rep Theatre and Park Theatre London), Biscuits For Breakfast (Hampstead Theatre) and A Child of Science (Bristol Old Vic – nominated for Best New Play at UK Theatre Awards 2024.). Shandyland started life as a stage play but was cancelled during rehearsals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was shortlisted for the George Devine Award in 2021.

An AI wellness app observes its user, encouraging her on daily runs and healthy shopping trips. But when does ‘wellness’ become too much? A new short story by award-winning Manon Steffan Ros (writer of The Blue Book of Nebo), read by Kezrena James, produced by Fay Lomas.

Distant football chants, a heart pounding with adrenalin, a violent fight between rival gangs. A desperate young woman makes a call to emergency services, there has been a stabbing. Somewhere close by in another street, another man is landing blows on a lad in a rival football firm. Welcome to The Fury. But this man is an undercover officer, and this won’t be the last time he has to put himself in danger to prove himself. He has been sent in to gain intelligence on the movements and plans of The Fury. An unlikely member of The Fury is Bethany, a tough nut, a survivor. She was the young woman on the call to emergency and it was her brother Callum that lay dying at her feet. As a result of this fresh murder, violence between the rival gangs is expected to escalate and the undercover operation is under threat. But how can our undercover officer leave now when he is at the heart of The Fury and then there is the question of saving Bethany….will he manage to get to the truth without risking his own safety and that of the people he loves? JASON ..... Tachia Newall BETHANY ..... Lauren-Nicole Mayes MIKEY ..... Joe Gill REECE ..... Hamish Rush SADIE ..... Sacha Parkinson LEO ..... Alfie Corbett DI KANE ..... Krissi Bohn DCI RICHARDS ..... Jason Done EMERGENCY CALL HANDLER .... Dionne Hunter BARWOMAN ..... Aimée Uwera RIVAL FIRM MEMBER ..... Louis Brown RIVAL FIRM MEMBER ..... Darren McColl POLICE OFFICERS ..... Ethan Cale, Daniel Fitzpatrick FOOTBALL FANS: Students from Burnley College: Andrew Jennings, Artur Karlovec, Chloe Conway, Daisy Whittam, Daniel Fisk, Gemma Henderson, Jack Dobbie, Jemima Olaiya, Joseph Butterworth, Kaja Stefaniak, Kenny Conroy-Hargreaves, Kye Jones, Lauren Haigh, Leah Rowley, Marianna Morante, Maxwell Hopkinson, Rebecca Timms, Tom Capstick, Vincent Harper Written by Rachel Smith Produced and Directed by Nadia Molinari Sound Design and Technical Production by Sharon Hughes Assistant Technical Producer Amy Brennan Production co-ordinator, Lorna Newman Script Consultant Russell Lane A BBC STUDIOS AUDIO PRODUCTION FOR BBC RADIO 4

Daisy Johnson is a multi-award-winning short story writer whose debut novel Everything Under was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. In The Stranger she weaves a gentle romantic story beginning with an unusual flatshare to save money, then twists it into a suspenseful thriller all in the space of 14 minutes - read by Saffron Coomber. Saffron Coomber has recently starred in Sir Lenny Henry's Windrush drama Three Little Birds, was in Small Axe by Steve McQueen, and made her West End debut as Shakespeare's muse in Emilia by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm Written by Daisy Johnson Read by Saffron Coomber Produced by Allegra McIlroy

By Helen Cross. Rose has made a fresh start in the City of Angels and life feels good. But she can't ignore the past, and now it's starting to bite. Her ex-boss Maya is loving never getting older and has Rose to thank for that. Maya has big plans for a 'rejuvenation' spa in the California hills, but Rose suspects all is not what it seems. On top of that she's worried that someone, or something, is trying to send her telepathic messages. But are they to warn her, or frighten her? Stylish and surprising fantasy horror with a comic twist, starring Alexandra Mardell (Coronation Street) and Demetri Goritsas (Ten Percent). With music by Dana Margolin and Sam Yardley of Mercury-nominated band, Porridge Radio. Helen Cross wrote ‘My Summer of Love’ which won a Betty Trask award and was made into a Bafta-winning film with Emily Blunt (recently rated her best film in The Guardian top ten Emily Blunt films). Mary Ward-Lowery won Best Director in 2020 Audio Drama Awards. Rose ... Alexandra Mardell Maya ... Miranda Braun Austin ... Demetri Goritsas Siobhan ... Deirdre Mullins Delphine ... Yasemin Özdemir Mam ... Jane Thornton Jack ... Tyler Cameron Gym owner ... Don Gilet Dakota ... Rhiannon Neads Alina ... Kitty O'Sullivan Englishman ... Martin Bonger Angry Man ... Douglas Hodgson Gully ... Bruce Casswell Original music written and performed by Dana Margolin and Sam Yardley of Porridge Radio. Sound design by Ilse Lademann and Mary Ward-Lowery Assistant Producer ... Alison Crawford Director ... Mary Ward-Lowery

By Samantha Harvey. Mum drives through the Dark Hedges, crossing a threshold into a different world. Read by Deirdre Mullins. Topical fiction inspired by the story, in this week's news, that some of the beech trees that line the Bregagh Road in Armoy, County Antrim, have been felled amid concern for public safety. The trees, a landmark in their own right, were made more famous after featuring in the fantasy drama Game of Thrones. Samantha won the Betty Trask Prize for her first novel The Wilderness, which was longlisted for the Man Booker, and shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the Guardian First Book Award. Her work has been described by critics as 'spectacular', 'beautiful' and 'profound', and her latest novel, 'Orbital', an 'awe-inspiring and humbling love letter to Earth', has been selected by The Guardian as one of the most important books of 2023. Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May. Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in episode 1 of this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton. To hear the series in full, just search for Gaslight in BBC Sounds. Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel. Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times. In this first episode, Jack and Bella find a house that suits them and there's a lot riding on the screening of their latest film. Cast in order of appearance: Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner Jack Manningham ..... James Purefoy Bella Harding ..... Rebecca Night Ishani Rawe / Izzy ..... Macadie Amoroso DCI Nina Rawe ..... Cathy Tyson DI Reynolds / Michael McLennon / Chris De Jeanne ..... Richard Lintern Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy Directed by Johnny Vegas A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Dan's life is in danger. To what lengths will Jess go to save him? Jess now knows the truth about Ronnie Vaz's relationship to Dan. But she's sucked even deeper into the violent world of his drug gang. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Melissa......Alexandria Riley Petal.....Rina Mahoney Mother.....Christine Kavanagh Ronnie.....Alun Raglan Gallery Director....Jasmine Hyde Magnar.....Neil McCaul Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess now knows the truth about Ronnie Vaz's relationship to Dan. But she's sucked even deeper into the violent world of his drug gang. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Melissa......Alexandria Riley Petal.....Rina Mahoney Mother.....Christine Kavanagh Ronnie.....Alun Raglan Gallery Director....Jasmine Hyde Magner.....Neil McCaul Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess has returned to Dan, despite her misgivings. In revenge for his secretive behaviour, she snorts a line of DMT. And experiences a terrifying trip. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Henry.....Brendan Charleson Janey.....Jasmine Hyde Ronnie.....Alun Raglan Petal.....Rina Mahoney Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess has left Dan, the dockside studio and the grimy, violent world of Ronnie Vaz behind. But something is pulling her back. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Henry.....Brendan Charleson Janey.....Jasmine Hyde Ronnie.....Alun Raglan Petal.....Rina Mahoney News Reader.....Chris Jack Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess starts her first paid commission as an artist, painting a work for Dan's employer Ronnie Vaz. But she also discovers the true nature of Vaz's business empire. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Written by Faebian Averies. Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Clem…..Francois Pandolfo Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Petal.....Rina Mahoney Security Guard.....Chris Jack Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess discovers more about the shadowy world Dan moves in, but she's also increasingly aware of its benefits. She's moved into the dockside studio owned by Dan's employers - the gangster-run Tactical Security. And though Dan himself remains something of a mystery, the studio is starting to inspire Jess’s art. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Written by Faebian Averies. Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Clem…..Francois Pandolfo Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Ryan.....Justice Ritchie Petal.....Rina Mahoney Security Guard.....Chris Jack Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Dan has reappeared just as mysteriously as when he vanished. Can Jess trust him.? And is he boyfriend or predator? Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Daisy....Grace Cooper Milton Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

When aspiring artist, Jess, is injured during an environmental protest, she’s taken to hospital by a kind stranger. And then the stranger becomes her boyfriend. And then he disappears. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Desk Sergeant.....Chris Jack Security Guard.....Jasmine Hyde Mark.....Neil McCaul Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess is an aspiring artist with synaesthesia, which means that she sees colours and patterns when she hears certain sounds. When Jess collapses and hits her head during an environmental protest, she meets the engimatic Dan. This meeting will change both of their lives. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of podcast drama Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Johnny.....Tom Byrne Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Petal.....Rina Mahoney Daisy.....Grace Cooper Milton Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess is an aspiring artist with synaesthesia, which means that she sees colours and patterns when she hears certain sounds. When Jess collapses and hits her head during an environmental protest, she meets Dan and falls in love. This relationship changes both of their lives. But Dan has a shadowy career, working for a criminal gang who are running drugs. He’d like to escape from this way of life, but Jess is increasingly pulled towards it. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of podcast drama Tracks). Jess.....Holli Dempsey Dan.....Josef Altin Johnny.....Tom Byrne Melissa.....Alexandria Riley Petal.....Rina Mahoney Daisy.....Grace Cooper Milton Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

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