The Truth about Phyllis Twigg

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.

1922: It may only be six weeks old, but the brand-new British Broadcasting Company is already desperate for content. Arthur Burrows, its first on-air voice and Director of Programmes is accosted by children’s author Phyllis Twigg outside Marconi House with a pitch - could they put a play on the radio? Phyllis has already written for gramophone, broadcasting is the natural next step.

2025: In the British Library, HerStory podcast producer Jenny Adams fumbles with her phone as she attempts to record a voice note for her season finale. She suspects children's author Moira Meighn and Phyllis Twigg the dramatist are one and same and the proof is somewhere in its stacks. She also intends to right an injustice. Not for the first time has a man been credited with a woman’s historical first.

As Arthur and Phyllis grapple with the challenges of broadcasting the nation’s first live radio play, they also star in it. Jenny faces a challenge of her own. Change history – and reveal the truth about Phyllis Twigg.

Written by Paul Kerensa

Phyllis Twigg .... Tamsin Greig
Arthur Burrows .... Rory Kinnear
Jenny .... Aja Dodd
Rajesh .... Amit Shah
Mr White .... Will Harrison-Wallace
Lift Boy .... Haydn Watts
Anne .... Flora Saner

Other roles played by members of the cast.

"Dear Santa" written and performed by Hannah Brine

Sound Design .... Eloise Whitmore
Studio Manager .... Rohan Onraet
Original Music .... Neil Brand
Producer/Executive Producer .... Andrew Mark Sewell
Director .... Helen Quigley

A B7 Media production for BBC Radio 4

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