New Vic Theatre sets stage premiere of A Leap In The Dark

New Vic Theatre is set to present the stage premiere of A Leap In The Dark, marking a pivotal moment in the history of radio.

The new production will run at the Staffordshire venue from 9 February to 2 March 2024, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the UK’s first ever radio play.

Written by the Emmy award-winning Ron Hutchinson, A Leap In The Dark was originally commissioned by BBC Radio 4. It will make its stage debut under the direction of Caroline Wilkes, featuring a strong eight-member cast. The play offers a comedic yet insightful exploration into the birth of radio plays, a significant milestone in broadcasting history.

The plot revolves around the character Cedric Maud and his assistant Grace, who conceive the idea of a play crafted solely for radio to entertain listeners and establish the BBC’s prominence.

Theresa Heskins, New Vic Artistic Director said: “I was on a long drive, with the radio on for company as ever, and was lucky enough to hear Ron Hutchinson’s play celebrating the birthday of BBC Radio Drama. A Leap In The Dark gave me a fascinating insight into how a new artform had come about, and I was delighted when Ron agreed to reimagine the play for the stage. A hundred years since that first play was broadcast I’m delighted that we can celebrate our great national treasure, the BBC, and the art of radio drama.”

The cast includes Suzanne Ahmet, Angela Bain, Madeleine Leslay, Alyce Liburd, Perry Moore, Ben Norris, Robert Pickavance and Andrew Pollard. They bring to life this fast-paced comedy, weaving a narrative that traces the (almost) true story behind the inception of radio plays.

For more information and tickets, visit newvictheatre.org.uk