Drama of the Week BBC Radio 4

By Samantha Harvey. Mum drives through the Dark Hedges, crossing a threshold into a different world. Read by Deirdre Mullins.
Topical fiction inspired by the story, in this week's news, that some of the beech trees that line the Bregagh Road in Armoy, County Antrim, have been felled amid concern for public safety. The trees, a landmark in their own right, were made more famous after featuring in the fantasy drama Game of Thrones.
Samantha won the Betty Trask Prize for her first novel The Wilderness, which was longlisted for the Man Booker, and shortlisted for the Orange Prize and the Guardian First Book Award. Her work has been described by critics as 'spectacular', 'beautiful' and 'profound', and her latest novel, 'Orbital', an 'awe-inspiring and humbling love letter to Earth', has been selected by The Guardian as one of the most important books of 2023.
Producer: Mary Ward-Lowery

Atmospheric drama from BBC Radio 4 with bonus scenes for BBC Sounds, featuring original music by Imelda May.
Have you ever wondered where the term 'gaslighting' comes from? Find out in episode 1 of this dark reimagining of the classic 1938 stage thriller by Patrick Hamilton. To hear the series in full, just search for Gaslight in BBC Sounds.
Jonathan Holloway's modern adaptation is set in the present, with a deliciously vintage feel.
Jack Manningham has used his wife’s recently inherited money to buy a huge period property - a former bell foundry - which they will renovate. They occupy a small habitable part of the ground floor and basement. This previously neglected ramshackle building is lit by gas, as it was in Victorian times.
In this first episode, Jack and Bella find a house that suits them and there's a lot riding on the screening of their latest film.
Cast in order of appearance:
Tippi Griffiths ..... Lacey Turner
Jack Manningham ..... James Purefoy
Bella Harding ..... Rebecca Night
Ishani Rawe / Izzy ..... Macadie Amoroso
DCI Nina Rawe ..... Cathy Tyson
DI Reynolds / Michael McLennon / Chris De Jeanne ..... Richard Lintern
Written by Jonathan Holloway, based on the original play by Patrick Hamilton
Music: Imelda May with Tim Bran
Produced by Sally Harrison with James Purefoy
Directed by Johnny Vegas
A Woolyback production in association with Darling Pictures, for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

Dan's life is in danger. To what lengths will Jess go to save him?
Jess now knows the truth about Ronnie Vaz's relationship to Dan. But she's sucked even deeper into the violent world of his drug gang. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks).
Jess.....Holli Dempsey
Dan.....Josef Altin
Melissa......Alexandria Riley
Petal.....Rina Mahoney
Mother.....Christine Kavanagh
Ronnie.....Alun Raglan
Gallery Director....Jasmine Hyde
Magnar.....Neil McCaul
Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess now knows the truth about Ronnie Vaz's relationship to Dan. But she's sucked even deeper into the violent world of his drug gang. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks).
Jess.....Holli Dempsey
Dan.....Josef Altin
Melissa......Alexandria Riley
Petal.....Rina Mahoney
Mother.....Christine Kavanagh
Ronnie.....Alun Raglan
Gallery Director....Jasmine Hyde
Magner.....Neil McCaul
Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess has returned to Dan, despite her misgivings. In revenge for his secretive behaviour, she snorts a line of DMT. And experiences a terrifying trip. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks).
Jess.....Holli Dempsey
Dan.....Josef Altin
Henry.....Brendan Charleson
Janey.....Jasmine Hyde
Ronnie.....Alun Raglan
Petal.....Rina Mahoney
Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding

Jess has left Dan, the dockside studio and the grimy, violent world of Ronnie Vaz behind. But something is pulling her back. Holli Dempsey and Josef Altin star in a new thriller of conflicting perception from Matthew Broughton (the creator of Tracks).
Jess.....Holli Dempsey
Dan.....Josef Altin
Henry.....Brendan Charleson
Janey.....Jasmine Hyde
Ronnie.....Alun Raglan
Petal.....Rina Mahoney
News Reader.....Chris Jack
Sound design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis
A BBC Cymru Wales production for BBC Radio 4, directed by John Norton and Emma Harding