Lithgow Radio Players brought classic radio theatre to life on Saturday 1 August, entertaining a full house at the LINC Hall with an afternoon of comedy, mystery and old-style storytelling.
The program featured two very different productions, showcasing the versatility of live radio theatre and the talents of local performers.
The first was The Love that Purifies by P.G. Wodehouse, adapted and directed by Rosalind Vreilink. Drawing on Wodehouse’s trademark humour and memorable characters, the production gave audiences the opportunity to enjoy his writing in a different theatrical form.
The second production, Macbeth the Knife, a Dick Shamus mystery comedy, was directed by Ross Yates and Ralph Andrews. Combining detective fiction with comedy, the play provided a contrasting second half and plenty of opportunity for humour and larger-than-life characters.
The stories were brought to life using the traditions of vintage radio drama, where voices, music and sound effects create worlds limited only by the imagination.
Ross Yates has been bringing live radio plays to Lithgow audiences for more than a year, with the performances consistently attracting positive responses.
The productions provide an opportunity for Lithgow locals to take part in live theatre, whether as performers, directors or behind-the-scenes contributors, while also giving audiences the chance to enjoy free local entertainment on a Saturday afternoon at LINC Hall.
Rather than relying on elaborate sets, costumes and scenery, performers use voice, timing and expression to create characters and action, while music and sound effects help transport the audience into each story.
The radio plays have become a welcome addition to Lithgow’s local arts scene, offering an accessible way for people to participate in performance and for audiences to experience live theatre without the cost of a ticket.
With the August performance now wrapped up, Ross and the Lithgow Radio Players are already looking ahead to their next production — a spooky Halloween radio play to be presented as part of the Lithgow Halloween Festival.
Keep an eye on the Lithgow Radio Players Facebook page for more information about the Halloween performance as details are announced.
