All the way back in July 2014, one of my fellow community radio presenters, Steve, asked if I'd be interested in taking part in the recording of a radio play... y'know... just for a laugh, not even necessarily for broadcast, but to see what the process was like.
I joined in an initial read-through at the Media Factory in Preston, a second read through at the Korova Arts Cafe (again in Preston) and then a mini-recording session at Will's house (the venue for many recordings of The Big Cheese too) and from what I gather, organising this recording has been like herding cats because the cast could never be assembled in one place at the same time.
Almost A YEAR LATER the final production has now been released. The original copyright was owned by the BBC and Steve has obtained permission from both Auntie Beeb and the writer of the script to release the recording as we recorded it as a community project and not for financial gain. Enjoy the play and then carry on reading for some "behind the scenes" secrets.
Welcome To Our Village, Please Invade Carefully (Episode 1)
Because the cast were having trouble becoming an official ensemble due to various commitments and distance to travel, Plan B had to be formulated and put into action. So, whilst you're listening, please remember that the whole of this official recording took place over a period of two to three months, there was very rarely a time when two of the actors were in the same room at the same time, Steve has created the title music, recorded the credit voice-over, mixed everything together himself (including a promo) and added all the 'ambience'. I personally think he's done a cracking job. Don't you?
You can find all the official information, credits, cast list and more on the (un)official WTOVPIC website.