The Pod Play

A tale of two carers who find solace in singing with a choir. Grace is conflicted. Should she claw out time for herself at choir practice or help her distressed son? Mary needs Grace in the choir, without her there's no chance they'll win the prize money they need to keep the choir going. Starring Jennifer Banks & Julie Edwards Written by Jennifer Banks Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's June 1976 and a group called The Sex Pistols are playing a gig at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. The group are just starting out and everyone is talking about them and their style of music, ‘Punk Rock' they are calling it, and Derek wants to be a part of it… It won't be easy but he's just got to get fifty pence for his ticket, coz if there's going to be Anarchy In The UK then he wants to be part of it, and like Jonny Rotten says he's got ‘No Future' plus anyone who's anyone is going to be there… Starring Will Bee, Sophie Simpson, Joanne Venet and Steve Cain. Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At Samaritans, they call it compassion fatigue. When you've climbed into that hole, shared that load, walked in those shoes one too many times then realise you don't care anymore. Beth thinks she doesn't, but there's one caller out there who needs her and no one else will do. Starring Natalie Jones, Christopher Everett, Jess Gough and Lee Petcher. Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the early 70's Elvis Presley returns from thirteen years of concentrating on movie roles to perform his "Summer Festival" run of shows in Las Vegas. What if.. His reinvigorated love for live performance sees him embark on a European tour, eventually bringing him to Manchester in the North of England. A million miles away from the fakery of Vegas and the cauldron like atmosphere he has to deal with in the States.  A chance for Elvis to perform to a new audience, enjoy new experiences and answer questions from a DJ at a fledgling local Manchester radio station. Starring Liam Francis Collins and Jack Wood. Based on an original idea by Liam Francis Collins. Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes a gym can mean more than just a place to workout. It can be a place of camaraderie, confusion, connection AND conflict. ‘Gym junkies'…a comedy that brings all of these in abundance, but with personal trainer/manager Carl at the helm, what can go wrong?!? Starring Liam fox, Lisa Moore, Kerry Ogden, Marcus Christopherson and Lisa Whiteside  Written by Lisa Whiteside Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early afternoon, a semi-derelict warehouse on the outskirts of a large Northern City.  "The Banker" is tied to a chair. He's naked, a mass of congealed blood, bruises and sweat, the result of a sustained beating from two masked men who have remained silent throughout. His eyes slowly focus on the man now stood in front of him.  This man isn't wearing a mask.  He takes "The Bankers" phone out of his own pocket and begins to make a call. He puts it on speaker..... Starring Oliver Devoti, Luke Richards, Emma Eckton and Bill Blackwood. Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A guilt-ridden mother looks back on the tragedy of her life and the devastating repercussions of her unspeakable actions. Starring Emma Eckton Written and Directed by Phil Pearson Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the last orders bell rings for the Acid House generation, Jamie and Scott are reluctant to let it go. Another night out ends up back at Rob's where the three friends come to realise that nostalgia isn't all it's cracked up to be, as somethings are better left in that loved-up past. Starring Keaton Lansley, Jack Wagman, Alex Townson & Mark Jackson Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Listeners are advised: Contains conversations about drugs use and The Hacienda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of the Pioneers of Cross Culture love, in terms of white women falling in love with black men in the 50/60s..and the difficulties they faced from society, family and friends and the product of their liaisons..Coffee Coloured Kids.. Listeners are advised This piece consists of strong language. In order to keep the piece authentic, the writer has insisted in keeping with the rhetoric of that time... Starring Trevor Dwyer-Lynch and Julia Haworth Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Men of a certain age will generally talk about anything else rather than about their mental health.  Ben and Pete are no different.. Two middle aged mates on their first fishing trip without their friend Marko, whose recent, totally unexpected death was a huge shock to them both. Even the crazy stories, dark humour and piss taking can't stop them opening up in a way they never expected.  Trigger: Suicide Starring Steve Connolly, Chris Allen and Colin Titley. Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An unexpected visitor leads to a life-changing dilemma in this dark, twisting tale. Starring Steve Cain, Lisa Whiteside and Natalie Ciufo Written by Richard Hearn Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie didn't have a ordinary death…in fact it was rather embarrassing for Mary, especially when she had to dial 999 and ask for assistance.. Time for Mary to face the music.. Starring Julie Edwards & Kerry Willison-Parry Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A table of passengers aboard the 22:00 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly train discover what really matters in life when their train is derailed in this ultimately feel good Christmas drama. Starring Erin Shanagher, Michael Starke, Trevor Dwyer Lynch, Robert Beck, Lucy Brennan, Zoe Iqbal and Olivia Thomson.. Written by Julia Haworth Directed by Paul Ludden Trigger Warning: Suicide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

William (Billy) Livesey is a veteran who is now living in a care home. Suffering with dementia and not being treated well by some an act of kindness allows Billy a few moments of lucidity, taking him back to the life changing incident which took place in the final hours of the battle for Wireless Ridge in the Falklands War of 1982. Everyone has a history. William (Billy) Livesey: Daniel Jillings Lisa: Anna Jobarteh Glenys: Lisa Whiteside Stu: Ryan Clayton Captain Randall: Ryan Clayton Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Siblings plot over a secret family heirloom in this dark comedy set after a funeral. Starring Caroline Chesworth and Sean Chriscole. Written by Richard Hearn. Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff is divorced and is taking his first steps back into dating. Getting back on the bus he calls it. Much to the surprise of his son Nick, Jeff has met someone and has invited her home for a meal. He hopes his lad can give him a few tips on modern day romance.. Starring Phil Chadwick & Sean Radford Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nellie has always been the person who keeps the family together, the matriarch, Salford born and bred. A Wife, Mam & Gran..Diagnosed with Alzheimer's and becoming the victim of a cowardly bulglary contribute towards a sharp decline in Nellie's health and her ability to look after herself. Her family have to make tough decisions in order to keep her safe. Starring Lynn Roden, Cathy Crabb, Elizabeth Poole, Steve Evets, Justin Moorhouse and David Scott. Written by Trevor Dwyer-Lynch Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thirtysomething Louise Robson had everything she always wanted. Married to the boy she fell in love with, living in the house they had 'done-up' together and spending nights picking out girls' and boys' names.  Then, one five-minute chat with her doctor, changed all that - forever. Everything Louise had dreamed of, hoped for and lived for was over. How could she possibly go on with life as it was? This is Louise's heart-breaking story. Starring Lisa Whiteside Written By Phil Pearson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A son looks back on his relationship with his father and remembers the laughs and lows of growing up in the 1970s. A heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of life, love and loss, all set to a Frank Sinatra soundtrack. Starring Adam Frith. Written by Phil Pearson. Directed by Phil Pearson and Adam Frith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Revenge, jealousy and Instagram Likes reach their peak in this dark comedy set on a mountain.. Starring Rachel Isbister and Crystal Williams. Written by Richard Hearn. Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Average Joe We often feel we spend our whole life waiting, some more than others. 'Average Joe' is based upon a chance encounter in a waiting room of a very different kind. Starring Liam Fox, Jack Verity and Lisa Whiteside Written by Lisa Whiteside Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden.. For two Dads.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do in a power cut? Light some candles, play a game, or just get blind drunk...? Jenny wants to talk, but John can’t stop thinking about that fantasy football transfer. Starring Morag Peacock & Steve Connolly  Written by Helen Connolly  Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is the swinging sixties and life is full of promise for Tony and Janice! They are young, in love, and both hope for exciting futures as they leave school. Tony is determined to fulfil his dream of playing for Manchester City and Janice aspires to make her mark in the world of theatre. Drama awaits them both! Written by Bill Cronshaw  Starring Natalie Blair & Luke O'Rourke Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is the swinging sixties and life is full of promise for Tony and Janice! They are young, in love, and both hope for exciting futures as they leave school. Tony is determined to fulfil his dream of playing for Manchester City and Janice aspires to make her mark in the world of theatre. Drama awaits them both! Written by Bill Cronshaw  Starring Natalie Blair & Luke O'Rourke Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is the swinging sixties and life is full of promise for Tony and Janice! They are young, in love, and both hope for exciting futures as they leave school. Tony is determined to fulfil his dream of playing for Manchester City and Janice aspires to make her mark in the world of theatre. Drama awaits them both! Written by Bill Cronshaw  Starring Natalie Blair & Luke O'Rourke Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A comedy about a man, a dog and a good deed that takes an unexpected turn.  Starring John Tueart, Nicole Evans, Colin Titley, Jason Ward and Lisa Whiteside  Written by Lisa Whiteside Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One ward, two women. One who wishes to escape, one quite happy in the knowledge it’s probably the safest place to be. One who desires to discover, one who’s happy to forget. Written by Lisa Whiteside  Starring Pat Brocklehurst & Lisa Whiteside Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy about two hilarious women actors in their fifties, who decide to take matters into their own hands after yet another patronising, failed audition at the hands of one of theatreland's know-it-all, Bright Young Things.  Written by Phil Pearson Starring Julie Edwards and Kerry Willison-Parry  Produced and directed by Paul Ludden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom has received a video from his friends. As he discusses it with his wife Rachel, nothing can prepare him for the truth she is about to reveal... A comedy about relationships, pornography, and developing a sense of purpose in an online world. Written by Julian Felice Starring Leah Baskaran & Liam Collins Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two characters appear on stage for a ten minute play. As the clock ticks, they try their best to find some meaning in their lives before the curtains close and the lights go down...forever. An absurdist tragicomedy that makes us examine the fragility of existence and encourages us to do the most with our short time on this stage. Written by Julian Felice  Starring Joe Walsh & Nathan Lea Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rich uncle Jack has died and has left his favourite nephew Tommy a mysterious box in his will ...but what could be inside?  Starring Natalie Ciufo, Reuben Clarke & Mark Newsome Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tommy’s been down on his luck for so long, but could a phone call be about to change everything.. Starring Natalie Ciufo, Reuben Clarke & Mark Newsome Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Dan wants is a Christmas like the ones on the tele. Problem is his mam and dad are skint... But this is Manchester, maybe a miracle could happen. Starring Natalie Ciufo, Reuben Clarke & Mark Newsome Written by Paul Daley Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sinead is the life and soul of the party. But where do you put that energy in a national pandemic? A funny, sarcastic slice of life in lockdown. How long can you stay in, before you freak out?.. "Love Bugged" has also been released as a short film and Premiered at The MancSpirit #OurTrafford Festival. It's available to watch on YouTube, https://bit.ly/2Hz9iCM Starring: Anna Jobarteh Directed: Michelle Parker Music: Jace Campbell Editing: Callum Marks Exec-Producer: Matt Bloom Producer: Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s no milk... It’s the morning after the night before and someone is feeling very pleased with themselves... Written by Paul Daley Starring Rachel Isbister and Jack Wagman Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A friend in need... could love be in the air for Gloria and Dave Written by Paul Daley Starring Rachel Isbister & Jack Wagman Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave and Gloria meeting in church just by chance or Devine intervention and will it take a miracle to get this rocky romance back on track. Written by Paul Daley Starring Rachel Isbister & Jack Wagman Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Dave spent fourteen minutes and fifty nine seconds with Gloria he knew he had to see her again. Now thirty two charity shops later he’s found her. Will she feel the same way though... Written by Paul Daley  Starring Rachel Isbister & Jack Wagman Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan has returned to his student house after the Christmas break. His house-mate Mark is watching television. As their self-absorbed reality unravels, Dan reveals some shocking news that is about to rattle their house and force them to confront the seriousness of life. The mundane collides with the tragic in this examination of the relationships we form during ‘the best years of our lives’  Written by Julian Felice Starring Jordan Reece and Sean Chriscole Produced by Paul Ludden  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fourteen Fifty Nine is about trying to find love in a pandemic. Gloria and Dave met on line and this is their first date, but Gloria has strict rules. After all, who wants to spend fourteen days in isolation because of a lousy date.... Now Dave has fourteen minutes fifty nine seconds to prove he was worth the risk. Written by Paul Daley Starring Rachel Isbister & Jack Wagman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the craziest thing you've ever done for love? When Hampshire born and bred Beatrice declares her love for Salford lad Darren - her Uni flat mate, Chantelle's, cousin - she quickly realises one thing... Darren will only like her if she ditches the accent and 'Mancs Up'. She's got 24 hours. Written by Emma Stoker.  Starring Anna Jobarteh, Bronwyn Elizabeth and Marcus Christopherson.  Produced by Paul Ludden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The magic of ‘Ol Blue eyes’ has waned. The voice, like his marriage to Hollywood superstar Ava Gardner is cracked. A despondent Frank needs a few drinks fast, and a shoulder to lean on. A trouble shared is one halved, so to speak. It’s close to midnight. Outside, in a doorway of the Palace theatre, Frank stands having a smoke, contemplating a worrying future, when inspiration to go on arrives from a most unusual source. A Newton Heath born policeman, a bobby on the beat, Harry Cooper. We tell the tale of their unlikely friendship. Two men simply chatting, having a beer and a laugh from totally different parts of the world, but, whom on that Mancunian evening, now lost in the midst of time, got on like long lost brothers. From Newton Heath, to New York, New York. Written by John Ludden.  Starring Graham Eaglesham, Rik S Carr, Jason Ward & Nicole Evans.  Produced by Paul Ludden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the late 70s in a northern, pit fuelled town, and two best mates Mick and Tony look to have one last night of freedom before venturing into the world of adulthood. Filled with rough and ready boozers, northern soul, and the iconic Wigan Casino, this is a night both lads will never forget. A story about friendship, music, and being working class. Mick (Nathan Lea)  Tony (Kyle Rowe)  Landlord (Steve Cain)  Bouncer (Bryan Dunne)  Dan (Liam Collins)  Narrator (Pamela Mayoss)  Written by Joe Walsh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Salford Sioux, in this age of Corona, are self-isolating in their tepees, down on the Irwell. In these worrying times, the warriors Black Elk, Surrounded by the Enemy and Charging Thunder, along with their one-time boss, Buffalo Bill, tell their tall-tales of how they all ended up in the dirty old town-over Skype. In the background, screaming through the night there are constant ambulance sirens, it disturbs, but the Sioux speak, they laugh, and they cry. The heartaches, the loves, how Salford took them to their hearts, and still do. We begin with a buried tomahawk that’s found whilst building Media City. In between its once upon a time in Salford, and we end today. In the age of Corona. As clouds drift across the moon, they remember trains setting the night on fire. ‘Stay in and stay safe!’ urges Black Elk.    Welcome to the Salford Sioux. Written by John Ludden.  Produced by Paul Ludden.  Starring Annie Rogers, Louis Emerick, Jack Wagman, Trevor Dwyer-Lynch & Steve Connolly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went to the Jolly Angler to record the first in the series of The Pod Play, a live performance of John Ludden's George Best: After Hours. Here we chat with John and the actors in the performance before the play in full. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We went to the Jolly Angler to record the first in the series of The Pod Play, a live performance of John Ludden's George Best: After Hours. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 14th January 1969, Sir Matt Busby finally stepped down from his position as manager of Manchester United. What wasn’t known at the time was his relationship with close Lieutenant, Jimmy Murphy, had become increasingly strained over the past decade, with the two drifting apart following the Munich air crash.  Matt and Jimmy is a Pod Play which recreates, using dramatic license, a meeting that took place later the same day in an empty Old Trafford football ground between the two men.  Their attempts to put a decade of hurt to right as they open their hearts and lay bare the brutal pain of Munich still cutting deep with them both. So much laid unspoken is said, nothing spared, there are tears, anger and laughter as Busby and Murphy finally confront the torment of losing their fallen Angels… James Quinn as Sir Matt Busby  Ian Puleston-Davies as Jimmy Murphy Trevor Dwyer-Lynch as The Narrator Abide with Me by kind permission of Martin Toal Written by: John Ludden Producer: Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is true is way back in the midst of time, Madonna played at the Hacienda. The rest? HAC84 takes you on a mystery tour of late night Machester with Tony Wilson as your guide and a starstruck Madonna listening on. For one night only only Anthony H is back. A love story about a city. Our city. Enjoy! Graham Eaglesham as Tony Wilson Annie Rogers as Madonna Gemma Hepworth as Tracey Donnelly  Matthew Heywood as Morrissey  Steve Evets as Lord Charles  Michelle Parker as Narrator  Music written & performed by Gaz Whelan  Written by John Ludden Recorded live at The Lowry Theatre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone knows the story, only one man knows the truth. He had a choice. Send them home, or they die. Seventy seven year old Tommy Keenan would tell it one last time to two wannabee hopeless Manchester gangsters! Ladies and gents, I give you a Gangster's Tale. Written by John Ludden Cast List Terry Conlan..... Keaton Lansley  Jamie O'Neal..... Jack Wagman Tommy Keenan..... Steve Evets  Angie/Narrator..... Annie Rogers Music written & performed by Gaz Whelan  Recorded at F.C. United of Manchester Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the performance of A Gangster's Tale, Jack caught up with the stars of the performance. Send us your reviews by leaving us a comment or tweeting with #ThePodPlay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World premiere podcast plays performed & recorded live outside of a normal theatre setting but in front of an audience, one take. Co-Production between #MancMade Productions & Listening Dog Media. #ThePodPlay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices