Radio plays are wonderful things. If there's such a thing as expert in listening, I've been born one. I have always learnt the best by listening to lectures, I have an excellent memory for music and sounds which has been particularly helpful when I was learning the musical theory and played in a local orchestra. But even when you are reading silently, chances are you are reading by using that little inner voice that is telling you what is on the page. (I know there's a thing called speed reading and I'm not a fan. Well, kinda. But that's for another article entirely.).
Sure, radio as a medium has been on decline ever since the television showed up, but I do not think it will completely disappear, ever. It's a similar thing with books and e-books. Each thing has different advantages. And I think, there is a special kind of magic surrounding audio-only stories that will always find it's audience. Take the recent boom of audiobooks and podcasts for example.
Long story short, I love audiostories. I love the intimacy of someone else narrating a story for me. The fact that there are no visual clues to guide your imagination gives it a special kind of freedom. You cannot really see the story happening, but it feels like you are nonetheless right in the middle of it. It's that weird kind of hangover you get from seeing a really good movie and leaving the cinema afterwards still feeling like you are a part of that film. Like it's not really over. Like all the things around you are brighter, louder, clearer and exciting.
I even tried to write a radio play, once, it didn't go well, as I'm not used to write dialogue heavy things, but I hope that one day, I'll learn it and make it happen. But today, I was thrilled to dive into a short story by Neil Gaiman that has been recently adapted into a play by BBC Radio 4. It's a story set in the London Below from Neverwhere: How the Marquis Got His Coat Back featuring Marquis de Carabas, one of my favourite characters and without spoiling anything for you - it has been such a delight to go back to this world once again. I just wished it was longer and I didn't have to say goodbye to London so soon.
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