The return of radio plays on Radio Mansfield

ROGER Nolan and his friend Colin Rochford, both former radio show hosts on Radio Mansfield, discussed the idea of bringing back ‘the good old days’, when everyone would sit together around the radio and listen to a play for their evening entertainment, “I first met Colin Rochford at Radio Mansfield when Colin came into the station to become a member and expressed a desire to become a presenter," said Roger. The two discovered shared backgrounds in theatre and radio, as well as a mutual love for comedy, drama, and music. This bond led to the idea of reviving radio plays. “After discussing the concept of creating radio plays, emulating the old radio tradition, Colin took the bit between his teeth and ran with it," said Roger. “He created a group of local writers who volunteered their time and talent, following a weekend ‘Radio Play Writing’ workshop, where the many scripts that have now entertained the listening audience for the last six years were born.” In order to encourage people to follow the radio plays on the radio, a ‘Radio Live’ evening was held. The first ‘Live Broadcast,’ attended by around 60 people, took place at the Buckland Rooms. Local musician and sound man Rolf Koren provided the necessary equipment, and Ray Sheldrick of Alpine Ridge set up the first broadcast, live to air. The audience participated enthusiastically, responding with “Boo,” “Cheer,” or “Groan” on cue, making them part of the recorded show. This magic was captured by Ray Sheldrick, a former ABC radio professional who handled the technical side. All plays, other than live audience shows, are recorded at the studios of the radio station, involving local actors playing characters of all ages, who volunteer their time and talent. “In the last six years more than 60 productions have been recorded, thanks to Ian Mallyon, who records, edits, and adds sound effects and music to create the finished product," said Roger. Adele McCormack, a friend of Colin’s, was inspired to take on the second Radio Play writing workshop, discovering a delightful hobby. Her first play, about two old widows attending a wake, was filled with humour and drama. Unfortunately, the live performance was postponed multiple times due to COVID-19. Adele’s next play, ”Margo and Beryl go Cruising” featuring the same characters in a new adventure, was broadcast before “Old George’s Wake,” which was later recorded live as a dinner theatre at the Delatite Hotel. During the pandemic, writers continued producing plays in isolation. Tragically, Colin fell ill while overseas and never fully recovered, passing away during the lockdowns. Colin’s enthusiasm and creativity are sorely missed by many. In happier news, a new episode featuring Margo and Beryl is on the way, completing their trilogy. The Radio Theatre plays are broadcast and streamed on Radio Mansfield 99.7FM each Sunday afternoon as part of Roger’s “Groovin’ on a Sunday Arvo,” after the three o’clock news.

The return of radio plays on Radio Mansfield

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