United Kingdoms: Survival

A ground-breaking new series capturing contemporary life across the UK with bitesize dramas, monologues, poetry and song. Each episode features five short works by five writers from across the UK, and each episode responds to a different theme.

NEW BRIGHTON

On New Brighton Promenade, the New Years Eve ‘sky radio’ sings with a voice from long ago. Liz, with her trusty solid state tape recorder, realise that this voice and the feelings it elicits don’t need to hold her back.

Written by Jeff Young
Performed by Liz Carr and Matthew Lewney
Sound Design by Eloise Whitmore
Produced by Dermot Daly

CARRICK-A-REDE

Bridges – a perfect metaphor for mental health or a perfectionist’s worst nightmare? An anxious overachiever struggles to stop surviving and start living.

Written by Claire Sullivan
Performed by Claire Sullivan
Sound Design by Lucinda Mason Brown
Produced by Celia de Wolff

NEWPORT

Emily is running late for her holiday with Bae, but dodgy trains aren't the only obstacle to their flying away together. What happens when your favourite AI just doesn't want to be dumped?

Written by Darragh Mortell
Performed by Emily Burnett, Scarlett Courtney, and Tom Forrister
Sound Design by Nigel Lewis
Produced by John Norton

SKYE

When the daughter decides to bury her mother in the lawn of their family estate, a story of reparations and land rights unfolds.

Written by Iain Finlay MacLeod
Performed by Fiona MacNeil and Iain Macrae
Sound Design by Joanne Willott
Produced by Kirsty Williams

CAMBORNE

In a world of tourists hurrying to return to normal and grab what staycations they can, what of Nan and her attempts to survive the pandemic? How long will spinach grown in the bath and a sherry with the neighbours enjoyed from the safety of the poly-tunnel sustain her? A tale of everyday hope, fear and daytime telly from Cornwall’s often over-looked heartland.

Written by Rebecca Mordan
Performed by Susan Penhaligon and Rebecca Mordan
Sound Design by Lucinda Mason Brown
Produced by Celia de Wolff

Programme illustration by Eleanor Hibbert
Original Music composed by Niroshini Thambar

Survival was curated by John Norton for BBC Cymru Wales, BBC Scotland, BBC Northern Ireland, Pier Productions and Naked Productions for BBC Radio 4 Show less