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Radio Plays are Alive and Well in England says BBC Radio

April 9th, 2008 Posted in General Info

I’m in the field today at Video Box Studios in Los Angeles, stage managing the radio play, “The Highest Tide” for BBC radio. Kate McAll flew in from Wales to direct and produce the project in conjunction with LA Theatre Works. She starts the read-through (rehearsal read aloud of the script by the actors before recording) by saying “Radio plays in England are on the upswing.” (there is at least one radio play aired per day in England) Good news for voice actors in England and the U.S. as the BBC will often seek out American actors to voice their American radio plays.

The read-through begins. The actors start to read the script aloud and magic happens. Immediately I’m transported to “the foggy end of Puget sound” and Chatham Cove as the young Miles (Forrest Landis) discovers a thrilling sea creature. Then we meet professor Kramer at the cove (David Selby) as Miles shows him the giant squid. Eventually we meet his parents (David Selby and Shannon Cochran), his “crush” Angie (Missy Yager) and his neighborhood friend, Florence (Katherine Helmond). As the play comes to an end, I forget where I am. Then I look around the room full of voice actors and I’m amazed where I’ve been.

No wonder why radio plays are still kicking in a big way.

“The Highest Tide” comes to BBC radio June 4, 2008. Just go to the website and hear the play. And listen for my Voice Registry podcast interview with Kate McAll coming soon.

-Tracy Pattin

  1. 2 Responses to “Radio Plays are Alive and Well in England says BBC Radio”

  2. By SomeAudioGuy on Apr 9, 2008

    YAY!
    Missy Yager is so much fun to work with.

    I wish this was something Americans had more patience for. I doubt we’ll ever hear anything like it on USA radio while everything is owned by Clear Channel…

  3. By Tracy Pattin on Apr 14, 2008

    Hi Audio Guy-
    Yea, the radio play is very much a staple in England, however with the iPod and the growth of podcasting maybe they’ll catch on here in the U.S. In the meantime, just go to BBC radio to hear the plays! Thanks internet!

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