Noreen Kershaw

Director of To The Broad Shore by Andy Prendergast

'The location was brilliant for us - a rock and roll recording studio with lots of different areas in which to create the scene locations. And we could work outside …  in the rain ... bonus!'

Noreen on directing To The Broad Shore

I liked the immediacy of Radio. Once I did my prep and talked to both Andy Prendergast and John Dryden, I was ready to roll! It was great to have Tamsin Barber’s help with casting and suggestions in the pre-production. I think having to be able to "shoot a schedule" for TV has helped with the quick turn around in Radio. Once I feel something is right I tend not to hang about.

Noreen on the cast
I was very lucky with the cast. Quite a few of them had worked with me before so I knew how good they were. The differences in voice quality was something I  hadn't really taken into account until now.  The way that Tania Carlin and Thorston Manderlay were able to improvise in the backgrounds for various locations was a bonus I hadn't expected.

Challenges faced and surprises found
My main challenge was making absolutely clear where the characters were and what they were doing. And in my case, what year they were in. Just by listening how can you get your audience to come with you at all times ?

Clearing music copyright for Channel 4 Radio Drama
In the post production, especially in the case of The Broad Shore where the music is such an integral part of the drama, it’d greatly benefit future projects if Radio enjoyed the same music rights as TV.

Another challenge which I touched on briefly before was the clearing of the music for The Broad Shore. As I write this I'm still hoping that we can get the music cleared since the music and lyrics are such an integral part of the story. I'm already onto my next job and I have to make sure that Andy's play is served in the best way possible.

Maud, Exec. Producer’s Note
Certainly this is a challenge given that these radio dramas are pioneering for Channel 4 in terms of its radio plans. Yet it’s also really crucial for the writer, director and production team to think through other solutions. Sometimes, much and all as you might really want to use a particular piece of music, if you don’t manage to clear it, you’re in danger of not being able to broadcast your programme if you stay wedded to the one option. It’s all about multiple options and problem solving.  

Recording on location
The location was brilliant for us.- a rock and roll recording studio with lots of different areas. And we could work outside …  in the rain ... bonus! We used the rain to our benefit. And the joy of being able to use so many different space in which we could create the many different locations and scene changes of the play … even the stairs.

Being mentored by an experienced radio drama director
Working with a mentoring director like John was a bonus. He let you get on with your ideas and your directing but on a practical level his experience was invaluable.

• realising what the placement of different screens does to the quality of the sound
• how big/small you want to make a room.
• How to get the feeling of movement and different directions
• how to achieve what you want radiophonically

John was brilliant as were Rob Bourke who recorded the sound and Steve Bond who has done the post but who was there for the recording as well.  It makes such a difference to work with a team who are used to working together but aren't closed off in their thinking.

The appeal of To The Broad Shore
I was immediately attracted to the play. I liked the way it dealt with its subject matter and I really liked the structure Andy Prendergast chose to use: a difficult subject matter dealt with in a sympathetic but not sentimental way. I didn't know until later that Andy was indeed a Doctor. This was a great practical help when we discussed certain physical challenges that came up for the characters. For example how someone with Yvonne's illness would breathe. Andy's openness and enthusiasm is catching.  I think his play is great and I hope it's the first of many.

Overall view of the initiative
Looking at the subject matter in all four plays, they're all so different but all very strong. You wouldn't really call any of them "cosy".  I think a whole new audience for radio drama could be found and encouraged.

I'd now love to do more Radio Drama.  I need to get to the bottom of "those screens" and how they work. I like the speed of Radio and I also like the soundscape that gets invented....and the things you get to do with your imagination.

Thanks to all for giving me this chance to work in Radio.

Check out the other directors for The Radio Play's The Thing

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