Write Club member, Rachel Wilkinson is one of five young people from across the UK to have their work featured in the BBC Radio 4 series, ‘United Kingdoms’. Her specially commissioned eight-minute radio play, ‘Coleraine’ based on the theme of laughter, is told through the voice of a young police officer as she looks back on her career highlights.
‘United Kingdoms’ captures contemporary life across the UK with bitesize dramas, monologues, poetry and song. Each episode (currently on BBC Sounds) features five short works by five writers from across the UK, with each episode responding to a different theme, such as ‘Survival’ or ‘Reflecting’.
Rachel, currently studying for her GCSEs was selected to write ‘Coleraine’ on the basis of previous work she submitted. She was given a three-week turnaround time to finalise the play working alongside a team of professional actors, sound engineers and producers. Speaking about the experience Rachel said:
“I took part in Fighting Words Radio: 2020 programme just over a year ago which gave me a great insight into what goes into developing a radio play-from the idea through to the actors and the recording. That experience made working with Radio 4 a little bit less nerve wracking and it was great to be treated like a professional writer by everyone involved.”
Fighting Words NI Director, Hilary Copeland said:
“We’re thrilled for Rachel and this recognition by Radio 4, which of course we’re delighted to be associated with. Every year we provide hundreds of creative writing opportunities for young people aged 6-18 through our schools workshops, write clubs and dedicated programmes like Radio 2020.
“Having the ability to express themselves through writing empowers young people, builds their confidence and allows them to access opportunities for growth and development, like this one.”
Listen to Coleraine at United Kingdoms - Laughing - BBC Sounds from 24:33
For information on free creative writing and story making workshops, visit www.fightingwords.co.uk
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