Radio Drama Reviews

The Republicans: Richard Nixon 

1970. President Nixon has announced the invasion of Cambodia, and student protests have ignited across the US, with National Guardsmen shooting four dead at Kent State University. Washington is on high alert. But when the insomniac President wakes up at 4a.m. to see defiant students gathering at the Lincoln Memorial, he walks over to talk to them, taking his White House butler with him. The Secret Service are left struggling to catch up, as the night takes a bizarre turn.

This may be based on a true incident, but the framing narrative, of a discourse by Nixon’s therapist – who appears to be from Germany by his accent – is terrible. It really doesn’t portray the Nixon of the tapes, instead we have a much maligned and misunderstood Nixon, who is trying to do the best for the country and who is basically a decent person who would not do anything wrong. Notably this narrative centres on one incident, and avoids Watergate.

This was not the foul mouthed paranoid President of the tapes that emerged from the Whitehouse, which to my mind, was far more accurately portrayed by Jason Robards in the TV series “Washington Behind Closed Doors” as the fictional President Richard Monkton (clearly based on Nixon).

I struggled to the end, but didn’t really like it much. 

With My Little Eye

The new UK Prime Minister appoints a former spook to control her untrustworthy spy network and protect a Russian dissident under threat. Bob Trench is a veteran of international undercover missions, cool under pressure, wise, wry and laconic. He's a loner determined to save his career and his reputation as he faces a terrible dilemma.

This was a terrific drama which reminded me a bit of the Ipcress File. Pip Torrens as Bob Trench is just brilliant as the world weary spy. There’s an underlying vein of black humour in the cynicism of his exchanges with others, including his interrogators. The pace and suspense never slacken, and it comes to a very neat conclusion. 

I told You I Was Ill

1. Going, Going, Goon by Toby Hadoke - Spike is called to a Heaven he doesn't believe in, in a synthesis of fact, fantasy and supposition.

2.2 Clowns, 1 Trumpet by Lee Mattinson - combines clownery and childhood in a bizarre birthday party.

3. Deadline by Jessica Hynes, Hynes stars as a writer on the edge of a nervous breakdown as she attempts to reach her deadline.

Performed live at the University of Hull’s Middleton Hall. Part of 'Contains Strong Language'. A season of poetry and performance from Hull.

I have to say that “Clowns” and “Deadline” are probably terrifically good – if you haven’t had the wonderful treat that “Going, Going, Goon” first. This uses a surrealist, but darkly funny plot, to flesh out the inner turmoil and depression within the brilliance of Spike Milligan, and takes you on an inward journey through his past. I won’t spoil the conclusion except to say it is extremely satisfying, poetic, magical and pitch perfect. Hadoke has shown himself a fine playright for exploring the hidden depths of the psyche in dramatic exchanges, and this is no exception.