A ground breaking five part series from exciting new writers celebrating and revealing life across the United Kingdoms in short, sharp drama, comedy, news reports, song and poetic monologue. Stories, lives and voices making a kaleidoscope of now.

Each episode features five short dramas by different writers - a total of 50 writers and 100 actors have been brought together, showcasing new writing and performing talent from every corner of the United Kingdom.

Episode 3: Hoping – an optimistic, sometimes unexpected look at 21st century United Kingdoms

• CORYTON - That moment when you just want to speak to someone.

• KEIGHLEY - Jyoti, a successful West Yorkshire businesswoman, resists when Tara, her daughter, pushes for a more environmentally friendly business. South Asian tappay, call and response rhyming couplets accompanied by the Dholki drum, help them to resolve their differences.

• LISBURN - Fat Frida is in an Abba tribute band and being Frida is her passion in life - nothing feels like being Frida. It feels like being her best self.

• BARGEDDIE - A disabled parent’s imaginary conversation with his toddler twins in which they think about their abilities and his.

• COLCHESTER - Victim and Perpetrator, two sides of a stabbing, based on a true story.

Credits
Coryton written by Leila Navabi
Performed by Saran Morgan and Esyllt Sears

Keighley written by Anjum Malik
Performed by Balvinder Sopal and Sameena Hussain
The Dholki performed by Sunny Tabladon Singh

Lisburn written by Shirley-Anne Mcmillan
Performed by Bronagh Taggart

Bargeddie written by Robert Softley Gayle
Performed by Colin Young and Reuben Joseph

Colchester written and performed by Dan Whitlam

Original music composed by Niroshini Thambar
Illustration by Eleanor Hibbert

Curated by Polly Thomas and Dermot Daly for Naked Productions, BBC Scotland, BBC Northern Ireland, Pier Productions, and BBC Cymru-Wales for BBC Radio 4 Show less