The Truth About Phyllis Twigg
by Paul Kerensa
When and where
16 January 2027, The Old Court Theatre at 7.45pm
About
In 1924, the world’s first radio drama was broadcast by the BBC. Richard Hughes was credited as the writer; but Phyllis Twigg wrote a children’s radio play performed live on the BBC on Christmas Eve… over one year earlier.
It’s definitely not the first time a woman’s contribution to history has gone awry. The Truth About Phyllis Twigg is a light-hearted drama about giving credit where credit’s due – even if it takes 100 years to get it.
The Truth About Phyllis Twigg is currently available on BBC Sounds
A one-off rehearsed reading performance for CTW of the BBC Radio 4 commissioned audio drama The Truth About Phyllis Twigg, written by Paul Kerensa and produced by B7 Media.
This performance will feature bonus content! We’ll be using the hour-long studio recording script, not the shorter 44-minute script as broadcast. Scripts will be on stands for cast to read – this will not be staged, though there will of course be interaction; it’s not a table read.
We’ll integrate music as used in the programme and add live sound effects where possible.
PERFORMANCE: Saturday 16th January 2027 at 7.45pm
REHEARSALS: Friday 8th January and Friday 15th January 7.45pm
TECH /DRESS: Saturday 16th January 2pm (TBC) Tech/Dress
CAST
I’m looking for best-fit voice actors rather than casting by age or appearance. The only exception to this is RAJESH, who is written as British Indian, and could be any ethnicity except white. Character ages are given as a guide.
Roles include the principal characters and several smaller roles that double as foley artists and a narrator to read script directions.
Please make sure you are available for ALL three dates!
1922
Mrs Phyllis Twigg – 30s, well-spoken aspiring writer and entrepreneuse. RP
Mr Arthur Burrows – 40s, middle-class, BBC Director of Programmes. RP
Mr Richard White – 40s+, working-class, engineer. Slight London accent, provides the sound effects.
Anne – 8, Phyllis’s daughter. RP (Child or young adult actor) ALREADY CAST TBC
2025
Jenny – 20s+, present-day podcaster. Northern, or any other UK regional accent
Rajesh – 30s+, British Indian, studio engineer. Any accent
PLUS
2-3 x Ensemble doubling as:
Stage Directions Narrator (for scene setting) – Any, M/F
Lift Boy – 18+ to 20s, East End/Cockney (2 scenes)
Dr Twigg – 40s+, male, 1922 (2 lines)
Dr Twigg’s Receptionist – Female, RP, 1922 (1 line)
Ms/Mr Brent – any age/gender, receptionist, 1936 (1 scene)
Shushing Person in Library, 2025 (shushing and 1 line)
... And some foley work!
As this is a single performance with minimal rehearsal there will be no audition process. If you’re interested in taking part and would like to be considered for a role, please message/WhatsApp or email me – Helen Quigley: (helen.quigley@gmail.com)
Standard Tickets are £15.09, Concessions* £12.94 including booking fee. Available online via our Ticketsource page or by calling Ticketsource on 0333 666 3366.
Please note that our ticket prices remain the same, but new legislation requires the booking fee to be included in the listed price.
Tickets are also available on the door at the Old Court Theatre from 30 minutes prior to the performance (cash and card payments accepted.)
*Concessions apply to under 18s and over 65s, (Tues – Thurs only) unemployed and students with a valid student ID.
For queries regarding your booking, or to make exchanges, please email our Booking Manager on: bookings@ctw.org.uk
For directions, parking and other information about your visit to the Old Court, visit our Theatre Info page.