A young couple working on a dairy farm in Derbyshire start to imagine what might be going on in the outside world during lockdown. Complete with a cast of cows and imaginary drama involving long-lost friends.
This audio drama is the result of 5 years working with young writers across the UK. The project was funded by 21st Century Fox and took place in Belfast, Edinburgh, Derby Oxford, London and online.
All the dramas in this series are written during the time of Covid lockdowns, or soon after the restrictions were changed. The dramas reflect society and the unusual, stressful, and sometimes bizarre consequences of recent historical events.
Saving Mel Spencer is written by Simon Marshall
George- Sam Stafford
Dan- George Naylor
Sound design Mat Clark
Director Laurel Lefkow
Producer Camilla Byk
Simon Marshall is a playwright, writing facilitator and dramaturg from Derbyshire, living in Sheffield. Associate Artist of Derby Theatre, part of initiatives in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire enabling disadvantaged people to explore their creativity.
One such project 'Odyssey' a VR Audio Play with Plus One, went on to win a Stage Award for Digital Project of the Year 2023. My writing and facilitating practice seeks to empower rural and marginalised narratives and LGBTQ+ individuals, and has been informed by collaborating with charities, care-experienced groups and communities local to me.
Recent work
Below Decadence (Queer Folio 2023 Commission, Amplify Festival at Nottingham Playhouse October 2024)Follows Sebastian from 'The Tempest' reimagined to a present-day megayacht, in the pursuit of personal gain.The piece is part stand-up comedy, part monologue, performed by Curtis Dunn and directed by Alice Fitzgerald (Purple Snowflakes and Tittywanks, Stage Debut Awards Best Director Nominee 2022).
Find out more about what we do at Podium.me
www.Podium.meIf you are inspired by this episode, and want to get involved in one of our projects, we’d love to hear from you. Please see the Podium.me website
www.Podium.me for resources you may find useful. You can find further information about us on instagram @podiumdotme
Calling All Young Writers & Documentary Creators
Are you aged 18-25 with a passion for storytelling? Do you have a gripping drama script or a compelling documentary idea that deserves to be heard?
Podium.me, the award-winning podcast platform, is looking for fresh voices to create bold, original audio stories. Whether you're an aspiring playwright, a documentary maker, or just someone with a unique perspective, we want to hear from you.
Drama Writers – Submit a short script (5-15 mins) that works in an audio format.
Documentary Creators – Pitch an idea for an engaging real-life story that needs to be told.
This is your chance to bring your ideas to life and reach a wide audience.
How to apply: Send your script or pitch to camilla.byk@podium.me
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard
