Radio Drama

Before writing a radio drama, you should become familiar with the possibilities of the medium by listening to radio plays as often as possible, and deciding what works and what doesn't.

Submitting Radio Drama to writersroom

A Radio Drama submission should consist of the following items

• A full script, accompanied by a full cast list
• If you want to, you can include brief notes on the main characters
• A clear indication of the transmission slot
• In the script, character names should be given in full and clearly separated from speech, as should sound effects and other technical information
• Avoid putting in stage directions for the producer's or actors' benefit

Radio Drama Transmission Slots

There are several slots used for Radio Drama on the BBC. These slots are subject to change, so this is intended as a guide only - see BBC What's On for further details.

Monday-Friday 10:45am - 11am Radio 4 (repeated at 19.45 weekdays)
Woman's Hour. Short form (15min) commissioned in multiples of 5, ideally a series with individual stories in each episode or short term stories that mature over 5 or 10 episodes.

Monday-Thursday 6:30pm - 7:00pm Radio 4
Comedy. Sitcom, sketch comedy, family entertainment. These are rarely produced by Radio Drama, and submissions should be addressed to Radio Entertainment.

Monday-Friday 2:15pm - 3pm Radio 4
The Afternoon Play. Daily narrative drama strand. A complete story that is imaginative, accessible and entertaining.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11pm - 11:30pm Radio 4
Comedy Narrative. Light and entertaining comedy drama or sitcom.

Friday 9pm - 10pm Radio 4
The Friday Play. Original new writing. Contemporary, ambitious work from established writers and writers new to the medium of radio.

Saturday 2:30pm - 3:30pm Radio 4
The Saturday Play. Enjoyment and escapism. For example: love stories, thrillers, and extraordinary personal stories.

Saturday 2am GMT (time varies) World Service
Play of the Week. International stage plays and some original commissions. Please note: unsolicited proposals for adaptations of stage plays are NOT accepted.

Sunday (time varies) Radio 3
Drama on 3. Radical drama such as The Wire, classics, and new theatre productions.