Talented amateurs dial in radio play

Renowned radio play Under Milk Wood has been brought to life by a group of amateur actors with limited radio experience - an impressive feat, according to the play's producer, Michael Wilson.

Members of the Limelight Theatre Company have recreated the play by playwright Dylan Thomas.

Mr Wilson, of Arrow FM, said the group had five three- to four-hour sessions in the studio recording the Welsh play after director Eunice Radford had spent hours rehearsing with the group. Although many in the cast are Welsh, there were a few New Zealanders who had to work hard.

"There are also a whole lot of Kiwis who did a great job of getting the accent right," Mr Wilson said.

Radio plays are hard to record and the slightest scratch or shuffle could lead to a whole section having to be recorded again.

"I was blown away by how good they were," he said. "This group really impressed me."

Cast member Lucy Cooper said auditions started in April before 14 weeks of rehearsals but it was good fun.

Miss Cooper said working with radio was new for most of the cast. Although some cast members had acting experience, many were new to performing.

"All of us made very good friends with one another and it's a great group. I think we learned heaps," she said. "It was a fantastic experience."

The first part of the play will go to air on Arrow FM 92.7 or the website www.arrowfm.co.nz (click "listen live") on October 15 at 8pm and October 20 at 4pm.

The second part of the play will be aired on October 22 at 8pm and October 27 at 4pm.