An engaging new series of radio dramas by new writers with disabilities, performed by a mainly disabled cast.

5x 15mins, by Naked Productions, first aired 8th June 2020

During the current pandemic, we are all experiencing isolation in a way that many of us never normally encounter and having to make tough choices: this is a regular daily occurrence for those with disabilities. 

Each drama looks at a different example or kind of isolation, connected to ‘disability’ within the widest definition of the word, physical or mental or emotional and explores how to connect. Sarah Daniels, leading radio writer, is providing series overview and script support, plus script consultancy from Graeae. The series is a lively sequence of dramas that offer entertainment, provoke thought and encourage optimism.

The writers are from across the UK – Manchester, Wolverhampton, London, Bristol and Birmingham. Recorded in line with government guidance about safe physical distancing, the actors all worked from their own home, linked online to the producer and fellow actors.

Each play stands alone as a satisfying listen, with the theme of  connection; and between each play there are yet more subtle connections, for the listener to enjoy finding!

Connections was broadcast on 17 different radio stations:

• Isolation Radio
• Future Radio
• K107FM
• Fuse FM
• Liskeard
• Radio LaB
• Resonance FM
• Radio Verulam
• Radio Tyneside
• Koast Radio
• Canalside
• All FM
• Wythenshawe Radio
• Pure West
• Connections
• Elastic FM
• Chelmer Radio

A Moment’s Paws, by Michael Southan

A lonely older man has a mystery to share with an unsuspecting insurance company cold caller….

Arthur – Jonathan Keeble
Shona – Philippa Cole
Tina – Liz Carr
Director – Jenny Sealey
Sound engineer – Louis Blatherwick
Sound design – Eloise Whitmore
Series advisor – Sarah Daniels
Exec producer – Celia de Wolf

Red Flags, by Anita Kelly

A divorcee comes to terms with her new life, but trying to get rid of her wedding rings proves surprisingly difficult

Tina – Liz Carr
Director – Jenny Sealey
Sound engineer – Louis Blatherwick
Sound design – Eloise Whitmore
Series advisor – Sarah Daniels
Exec producer – Celia de Wolf

To the Stars, by Leanne Allen

A young woman reaches out to her estranged mother, and inadvertently connects with a lonely stranger.

Tina – Liz Carr
Cassie – Nadia Albina
Directed by Polly Thomas
Sound engineer – Louis Blatherwick
Sound design – Eloise Whitmore
Series advisor – Sarah Daniels
Exec producer – Celia de Wolf

Bhavika, by Shaih Iqbal Khan

A woman newly diagnosed with Locked In syndrome reflects on her new life and how she can make herself heard

Bhavika – Arti Shah
Dr Hewitt – Cherylee Houston
Directed by Polly Thomas
Sound engineer – Louis Blatherwick
Sound design – Eloise Whitmore
Series advisor – Sarah Daniels
Exec producer – Celia de Wolf

My Time, by Kathryn Golding

Sitting out lockdown by sorting out her cupboards, a woman looks back at her failed marriage and refinds a friendship through her old mixtapes

Lizzie – Chloe Ewart
Directed by Polly Thomas
Sound engineer – Louis Blatherwick
Sound design – Eloise Whitmore
Series advisor – Sarah Daniels
Exec producer – Celia de Wolf