Radio Plays : Prisoner of War

Posted by Jennie Atkinson


We are delighted to share our latest venture which was broadcast on BBC Radio Shetland on February 18th. 


We have kept busy during the months of Lockdown and beyond, firstly getting to grips with using Zoom for online readings of pantomimes and plays and subsequently also learning new skills through online workshops run by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association).

Having gained confidence and experience during these sessions, Jennie Atkinson sought to produce a play which could be rehearsed online and recorded for radio. More used to acting and producing on stage, it was a steep learning curve. Working with writer Lesley Leslie and BBC Radio Shetland, the results of their collaboration were broadcast on Radio Shetland's Art Programme on 18th February. 

The 30 minute play, titled Prisoner of War, tells the story of the friendship between Rose and Allessandro, an Italian Prisoner of War helping out on the croft in Scatness. Not everyone was comfortable with the Italian's presence, but Rose and Allessandro's friendship grows slowly to love, only for them to be parted at the end of the War when he returns to Italy.

You can listen to the play by clicking the link below:

The play is followed by a short discussion about Italian Prisoners of War in Scotland and an interview with writer Lesley Leslie and producer/director Jennie Atkinson.

Congratulations to all involved and grateful thanks to BBC Radio Shetland for this wonderful new opportunity



Cast

Rose : Stephenie Pagulayan
Allessandro : Andy Long
Jessie : Donna Marie Leask
Jane : Karen Erasmuson
Sam : Christine Geldard
Elsie Collie : Morag Maver
The Laywer : Karl Ward

Written by Lesley Leslie

Produced and Directed for Radio by Jennie Atkinson