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Episode details

Radio 4,24 Dec 2025,44 mins

The Truth about Phyllis Twigg

Drama on 4

Available for over a year

In 1924, the world鈥檚 first radio drama was broadcast by the 麻豆社. Richard Hughes was credited as the writer - but Phyllis Twigg wrote a children鈥檚 radio play performed live on the 麻豆社 on Christmas Eve, over one year earlier. It鈥檚 definitely not the first time a woman鈥檚 contribution to history has gone awry. The Truth About Phyllis Twigg is a light-hearted drama about giving credit where credit鈥檚 due 鈥 even if it takes 100 years to get it. 1922: It may only be six weeks old, but the brand-new British Broadcasting Company is already desperate for content. Arthur Burrows, its first on-air voice and Director of Programmes is accosted by children鈥檚 author Phyllis Twigg outside Marconi House with a pitch - could they put a play on the radio? Phyllis has already written for gramophone, broadcasting is the natural next step. 2025: In the British Library, HerStory podcast producer Jenny Adams fumbles with her phone as she attempts to record a voice note for her season finale. She suspects children's author Moira Meighn and Phyllis Twigg the dramatist are one and same and the proof is somewhere in its stacks. She also intends to right an injustice. Not for the first time has a man been credited with a woman鈥檚 historical first. As Arthur and Phyllis grapple with the challenges of broadcasting the nation鈥檚 first live radio play, they also star in it. Jenny faces a challenge of her own. Change history 鈥 and reveal the truth about Phyllis Twigg. Written by Paul Kerensa Phyllis Twigg .... Tamsin Greig Arthur Burrows .... Rory Kinnear Jenny .... Aja Dodd Rajesh .... Amit Shah Mr White .... Will Harrison-Wallace Lift Boy .... Haydn Watts Anne .... Flora Saner Other roles played by members of the cast. "Dear Santa" written and performed by Hannah Brine Sound Design .... Eloise Whitmore Studio Manager .... Rohan Onraet Original Music .... Neil Brand Producer/Executive Producer .... Andrew Mark Sewell Director .... Helen Quigley A B7 Media production for 麻豆社 Radio 4

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