The new theme for our radio drama is 'soap serial drama'.
- Soap operas began on radio and consequently were associated with the BBC. The BBC continues to broadcast the world's longest-running radio soap, The Archers, which has been running nationally since 1951.
- Soap operas are ongoing, episodic works of dramatic fiction. Early radio series were broadcast in weekly day time slots when most listeners will be housewives; thus the shows were aimed at and consumed by a predominantly female audience.
- Soap opera stories run concurrently, intersect and lead into further developments.
- Soap opera episodes typically end on some sort of cliffhanger.
- The main characteristics that define soap operas are "an emphasis on family life, personal relationships, sexual dramas, emotional and moral conflicts; some coverage of topical issues; set in familiar domestic interiors with only occasional excursions into new locations". Fitting in with these characteristics, most soap operas follow the lives of a group of characters who live or work in a particular place, or focus on a large extended family. The storylines follow the day-to-day activities and personal relationships of these characters.
- Many Australian and UK soap operas explore social realist storylines such as family discord, marriage breakdown, or financial problems. UK soap operas frequently make a claim to presenting "reality" or purport to have a "realistic" style. UK soap operas also frequently foreground their geographic location as a key defining feature of the show while depicting and capitalising on the exotic appeal of the stereotypes connected to the location.
Development and setting
We have followed these conventions throughout our drama, as our target audience (women, 35-55yrs)
will enjoy the thrill of the drama, the storyline and the issue at hand that some may also be experiencing. We have aimed to leave the story on a cliffhanger, which meets the convention of soap dramas. Also, our storyline follows the characteristics of family life, personal relationships and emotional and moral conflicts. Set in a 'familiar domestic interior', our drama explores a marriage breakdown, which reflects reality. Lastly, although we haven't met the stereotypes of people living in a location like Kensington, our assumptions have lead us to create a storyline that will shock the listener. However, we have foregrounded the location as a key feature by naming the drama after the area it is set - "Pembroke Gardens".
Characters
Characters
Mid thirties, bipolar, slightly fragile and reliant on medication. Having an affair, away from her husband Jonathan Windsor, with Gary Plackett who she aims to elope with.
Jonathan Windsor
Mid fourties, a dark, mysterious character who appears to be over controlling of Lara to the point of abuse, having driven away most of her friends she now has to contact them behind his back. He is manipulative and cold, deceitful and malicious, cunning and [-].
Gary Plackett
Mid thirties plumber, a gentleman, kind and considerate he reflects Jonathan's character with a mirror. Very down to earth, he is smitten with Lara and is, although apprehensive, is excited at the prospect of their new life together.
Susan Thurgrove
Lara's supportive best friend, she understands Lara's situation and will do anything she can to ensure Lara's happiness.
Jay and Simon
Gary's fellow plumbers, hegemonic males.
Plot
Scene one
Gary Plackett is enjoying a pint with his friends after work when he gets a text from Lara Windsor to come over. He arrives to find Jonathan Windsor waiting for him, they have a fight and Jonathan pushes Gary down the stairs.
The relationship triangle is established.
Scene two
Lara arrives home after shopping to find Gary's body at the foot of the stairs. She panics, screams and cries at the sight of him. As Lara tries to get her medication, she has trouble with bottle, so she gets angry with it, throws it and breaks down. Jonathan comes home to find Lara in a mess, immediately asking if she had already called the police, finding out she hasn't, he consoles her. He decides their alibi by planting a pair of Lara's earrings on his person and breaks a window to make it look as if it was a burglary that went awry. Jonathan leaves Lara crying to make a call to the police.
Scene three
The police leave, explaining they'll be back in a few days for further questioning. Jonathan explains to Lara that this'll be their little secret, acting blase. When Lara questions him on his coolness to the situation he provokes her by returning the question back at her causing her to silence. Lara leaves the room to secretly call Susan Thursgrove, her best friend, this shows the exposes further the back story and the situation that Lara is in.
Scene four
Lara returns from her cancelled hair appointment, that is implied that Jonathan had moved to another day, Jonathan plants seeds of doubt in her mind regarding her memory. He returns her phone, claiming he found it, pushing the point further. As she goes into the other room to get him the newspaper, he pours boiling water over his hand, claiming she did it to him when she returns. He pushes the idea that she keeps blacking out and acting out, even questioning if she killed Gary finally pushing her to kill herself.
Lara returns from her cancelled hair appointment, that is implied that Jonathan had moved to another day, Jonathan plants seeds of doubt in her mind regarding her memory. He returns her phone, claiming he found it, pushing the point further. As she goes into the other room to get him the newspaper, he pours boiling water over his hand, claiming she did it to him when she returns. He pushes the idea that she keeps blacking out and acting out, even questioning if she killed Gary finally pushing her to kill herself.
Problems with script:
- Edit script by readers, slight improvisation.
