Cry Babies … A Radio Drama

 

It’s early 2009, and Colin is participating in taping a Science Fiction Radio Drama before he reports to the Merlin set to begin filming the second season.  Set in the near future, and part of BBC Radio 4’s Science Fiction Season 2009, Cry Babies was broadcast 9 March 2009.

In the near-future, cryo-genesis is perfected. Now, busy, professional couples no longer put off having children but have the kids young, then, they put the new-borns on ice until they’re ready to make space in their lives to become parents. But the lives of these children are very different from kids today!

The structure, scenes set years apart, allows us to have a sweeping view of future history, and make observations about the way current obsessions might alter. But at heart it’s a story about irresponsible, self-absorbed parents and a child who suffers from an economically privileged but emotionally sterile upbringing.  The main character is a girl named, Joy.  Late in the drama she meets Roger, played by Colin Morgan.

Joy experiences brief moments ‘out of the machine’, and as time passes each opening brings shocks and surprises as her parents and their society undergo incredible changes. And for Joy, stuffed with education by the machine but denied everyday experiences, life is not just a strange new country, but a frightening, confusing and often funny one, too.

We are inserting an audio clip of Cry Babies, which included all of Colin’s scenes, (thanks to BJ’s realm).  I prefer to pick up the audio at 1:14, after the childrens’ chanting has abated.

Cry-Babies was on the shortlist of five radio dramas that were nominated for the prestigious Tinniswood Award for ‘best original drama script broadcast in 2009′.

Dirk Maggs, Executive Producer of Cry Babies, is well known for his many superb, and often award-winning radio dramas and series.  He is widely regarded as one of the finest radio producer/directors of the past 20 years.  The 2014 Good Omens radio drama is also counted among his successes.

aside:  it’s interesting to note that Colin was 23 when this picture of the cast was taken … it would be easy to guess that he is 10 here! 😉  … except that when he stands up, he’s 6 ft tall !