United Kingdoms

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United Kingdoms: Survival

Survival

BBC Radio 4 - United Kingdoms, Survivalsearch

A bold series of short dramas reflecting life across the UK.

Groundbreaking series of short-form dramas. monologues, poetic reflections on contemporary life.

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

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Drama

Bold series of short dramas reflecting life across the UK.

Groundbreaking series of themed, mixed-form, short dramas reflecting life across the United Kingdom.

A groundbreaking 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.

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