Introduction
For this new Audio ensemble assignment, we will be split into 2 different groups to be able to perform in 2 very different radio plays. The first Radio play being 'Atching Tan' by Dan Allum, and the second being 'Far Side of the Moore' by Sean Grundy.
We had took the time within our days at college to read through the scripts for both of these plays, following our tutors directive as to which characters she would like us to perform as.
Thoughts and Opinions on 'Atching Tan' by Dan Allum
The first radio play we had a read through of was 'Atching Tan' by Dan Allum. Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to voice any of the characters in this play as I wasn't in the casting list for it, but I still sat and listened to the people who were. After listening to the play first hand, I'd like to present my thoughts and opinions on it:
Did I like the Story of 'Atching Tan'?
The radio play called 'Atching Tan' follows the story of a young girl called Lovvie whom has a particular interest and talent in singing. Throughout the course of the play, she meets with a drama teacher named John, whom thinks that she has some sort of extreme talent for dramatic performance, rendering him to teach her in the ways of acting. However, because Lovvie's main priorities are focused upon her family and her boyfriend, she stays away from the dramatic atmosphere of the stage to stay in her self uncontrollable lifestyle, following the decisions of everyone around her and not herself.
In summary, I'd like to say that I really enjoyed the story of this play, I felt a real emotional connection with the character of Lovvie and how she was going to handle each situation she had come across. I don't feel as though I lost interest or got lost anywhere in the story as it was all well connected by its scenes. Minus the occasional stuttering of the group performing it for the first time, I thought it was performed beautifully, and I can't wait to see the final result for when they perform this for real in a recording studio.
Did I like the Characters in 'Atching Tan'?
Although these two characters had a more prominent presence within the entire play when compared to the other characters, I did particularly like the characters of both Lovvie and John. The scenes containing these two characters alone was such a different atmosphere when compared to scenes that have Lovvie with her family, it was just a nice break and I felt as though it was a different play entirely. I really loved the relationship between these two characters, I felt like John was looking for his 'big break' in the world of acting, and Lovvie came to be his grand jewel. I loved the fact that in areas where Lovvie was giving up, John kept pushing her limits, but not so much to the point that he's almost commanding her, which is what I felt her family was doing.
Was there anything I didn't like about 'Atching Tan'?
I can't think of anything I didn't particularly like about 'Atching Tan', other then how Lovvie is treated by everyone around her, excluding John. If anything, I wish Lovvie and John could have had a more developed relationship with one another, not that it isn't good already, but I feel that there is much more that the writer could've done with these two characters. I'd also like to know what happened between the two in the years following the plays event's. Did she get a career in acting? Did she pursue more in the ways of singing to eventually become a professional singer. Could Lovvie and John possibly have had a romantic relationship despite the age gap between them? So many questions that need to be answered but may not come around.
To conclude, I'd like to present my overall rating for 'Atching Tan' by Dan Allum as a strong 8.5/10, and would recommend for everyone to listen to this play if they get the chance.
Thoughts and Opinions on 'Far Side of the Moore' by Sean Grundy
The second radio play we had a read through of was 'Far Side of the Moore' by Sean Grundy. For this read through, I was presented with, and had the opportunity to choose, the characters named Studio FM, Percy Wilkins, and George Adamski. After reading through this play, I'd like to present my thoughts and opinions on it, following the format I've already done with 'Atching Tan' above.
Did I like the Story of 'Far Side of the Moore'?
The radio play called 'Far Side of the Moore' follows the true story of a man called Sir Patrick Alfred Caldwell-Moore, and the origins and uprising of him becoming the
presenter of the longest running television series with one single
presenter. The series is called 'The Sky at Night', although it was
originally drafted as 'Star Map'. The show was first aired on 24th of
April, 1957. As we follow Patrick on his journey, we learn of his personality, his "arch enemies" and colleagues, and, more importantly, his past and future experiences.
In summary, I really liked this play as it is much different from any other play that I've read before in the past, could be mainly because of its scientific purpose. I really like how the story kept cutting from past and future, and how the elderly Patrick Moore delivers his lines in a sort of narrative way throughout the play whilst his younger self repeats the words he once said. I compliment Luke Patrick Engelen's performance in this role, I thought he was the perfect representation for the character, especially with his voice, as there's a line in the play, delivered by Leonard Miall, which states that Patrick Moore speaks fast to get twice the information across, which suits Luke's vocal ability.
Did I like the Characters in 'Far Side of the Moore'?
Overall, I like each and every character in the play. I feel that all of them have much more purpose being there when opposed to some of the characters in 'Atching Tan'. I love the rivalry between Patrick Moore and Dr. Henry King, his "arch enemy", it brings an entirely different mood to the play when they're both in the same scene, I was even left wondering who I should fight against the other with in that situation. I loved the fact that some of the characters had very subtle comedic moments throughout the script, complimenting the writers ability in character development, and also maybe historical knowledge of the events in the play.
Was there anything I didn't like about 'Far Side of the Moore'?
If anything, I obviously didn't like the fact that the characters I was presented with didn't have too many lines to say. But when thinking about it properly, that may be a good thing for me because of my weakness in portraying a welsh accent. I also didn't like the fact that Patrick Moore's mother had quite a small role in the play as well. I for one liked her character and would've preferred to have heard her more, but in the purpose of the plot, I'm not sure where she could fit in.
To conclude, I'd like to present my overall rating of 'Far Side of the Moore' by Sean Grundy as 9/10, and would also recommend this play to anyone whom may b interested in Radio plays.
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