Dramatic Beats
Drawing on some of the greatest examples from the last century, Michael Symmons Roberts celebrates the collaborative art of radio drama - 'the National Theatre of the Air'.
Best known for his prize winning poetry, Michael Symmons Roberts has also written numerous radio dramas over the years, and is a passionate advocate for one of the great cornerstones of British radio for the past one hundred years.
During that period the BBC has commissioned more drama than any other organisation, leading one former head of the corporation’s drama department to describe it as "the National Theatre of the Air.’
In this edition of Archive On 4, Michael selects dramas from across the century that reflect the many features of the genre that help distinguish it from other narrative forms, noting just how many of our greatest writers have been attracted to try their hands at radio drama.
He begins his selection with the first ever surviving drama script written specifically for radio, A Comedy of Danger, set in the pitch black of a coal mine. To help them appreciate this whole new way of enjoying a play, listeners were encouraged to turn out their lights during the broadcast.
Guests include Caroline Raphael, Susan Roberts, Professor Tim Crook and Ayeesha Menon.
Produced by Geoff Bird
Executive Producer: Eloise Whitmore
A Naked production for BBC Radio 4
Last on
The Strange Survival of Radio Drama
Read about the history of BBC radio drama from the BBC History team. The feature is part of the Voices of the BBC project, written by various academics, in partnership with the University of Sussex.
History of the BBC
Explore: History of the BBC
Broadcasts
- Sat 25 Feb 202320:00BBC Radio 4
- Fri 19 Jan 202421:00BBC Radio 4
