John Wakefield’s radio drama ‘The New World Order, Part 2: 1651’ has been nominated for the Best Speech Programming prize at the BBC and Global National Student Radio Awards 2013. The Awards show will be held on 7th November at The 02 Arena, London. A full list of the nominees can be viewed here.
Based on an alternate history of the English Civil War, The New World Order was adapted (from the novel by Ben Jeapes), directed and produced by John. I composed, conducted and recorded the music over the spring and summer of 2012. While discussing the role of the music with John, I was staggered by his attention to every nuance of the story that he wanted to communicate through every conceivable detail. Across two parts, the drama lasted four hours featuring a cast of over 30 people, recorded in a variety of field locations, with numerous sound effects evoking the scene. Its one-off broadcast was in November 2012 on University Radio York (URY). For copyright reasons, the recording is not available now, but you can video trailers below.
URY has received 9 nominations at this year’s awards, ranging from ‘Best Technical Achievement’ to ‘Best Specialist Music Programming’. Writing, Directing and Performance student Harry Whittaker, whose show is nominated for ‘Best Entertainment Programmme’, also received two nominations for ‘Best Male’ and ‘Best Newcomer’. I wish John, Harry, and the rest of the URY team the best of luck.
Musicians:
Flute – Natalie Carroll
Violins – Heather Baker, Jessica Conway, John Cummins, Sarah Goulding, Richard Powell, Sophie Simpson
Viola – Bella Clifford
Cellos – Frances Jones, Paul Sild
Piano – Paul Sild, James Whittle
Music composed, conducted and recorded by James Whittle.