The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitetheatre THEATRE REVIEW STORIES THEATRE  TALAWA A s art organisations, theatres, in particular, were left in limbo due to the uncertainty of another UK lockdown imposed by its government in the summer of 2021, thirteen months since the start of the first enforced lockdown; Talawa Theatre decided to showcase its offerings via alternative directions to mark its 35th anniversary season. One of these alternative showcases was partnering with BBC Radio 4 to air three short plays by new writers, three weeks in succession and supported by the Noel Coward Foundation. Each production lasts no longer than thirty minutes, making them an easy treat for that hit of theatrical culture. With each available online to ‘listen again’ to, I will try not to give too much away as I recommend you hit the links provided and listen to these great shorts that will leave you wanting to hear more. Listening to radio plays is much like listening to an audiobook, where you can switch off, tune in and perhaps do something like a bit of ironing, a non-noisy creative art project or just lounge back whilst listening. The var- ious sounds engineered, alongside the brilliant voice-acting, were able to transport us to the scenes where these dramas were set . Michael Buffong Images courtesy of Dujonna Gift-Simms Sian Davila Sharon Duncan Brewster