2 Radio Plays

AM frequency was the dominant frequency radio through what was considered the Golden Age of Radio during the 1920’s to the end of the 1940’s, when television started to become dominant. Instead of listening, people wanted to watch. These two radio plays take us back to the past and it was an interesting journey to take. The Adventure of the Irregular Client by Conan Doyle centres on the detective work of Sherlock Holmes and his off-sider Dr Watson in crime solving, while the second play, The ABC Murders, is typically a Christie, with a convoluted plot. Murder reigns supreme.

The stage contained the necessary dummy microphones, chairs for the sharply dressed readers and the effects person. The on-stage sound technician was Tim Oxley, who was very good in that role. The only other performer not in either play was John Scandurra, as the announcer and advertiser with an excellent clear delivery.  Hazel Mepham directed both quite well but there needed to be more stress on clarity and variations in delivery. Even though they were dummy microphones, I would have liked to see the readers at least facing them at all times. Unfortunately a few did not.

I was intrigued by both plays and now I know why I was never a policeman – I had the wrong results both times. The cast members, of which there were eight, were uniformly clear and in character but a little more life with some would help. Steven Cameron was a very good Watson and maintained the standard as Clark in play two. Simon Browne and John Tiplady were both outstanding in The ABC Murders.

Nash Theatre has perfected the Radio Play for the stage and has maintained a good standard. Well done. Oh, could I have a few more clues next time?

William Davies