Wireless zombies! A re-creation of Golden Age radio drama for a contemporary audience

• Published in: Studies in Theatre and Performance
• Main Authors: Challis, Ben, D'Arcy, Geraint, Dean, Robert, Hand, Richard, Smith, Rob, Traynor, Mary
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Smith Sound; Smith sound
• Online Access: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/62737/; https://doi.org/10.1080/14682761.2014.970342

The literally unseen yet fully imagined abject condition of the zombie has ensured that this incarnation of horror has played a resonant role in the history of popular radio drama through to the digital audio cultures of the present day. This article describes and contextualizes the production of Lover’s Lane (2013), an all-new zombie radio play in the 1940s style, by audio and radio researchers at the University of South Wales. This practical re-creation of the performance practices of ‘Golden Age’ radio was designed for both theatre and online audiences simultaneously. The discussion includes a variety of perspectives: writing/directing (Hand); production and broadcast (Traynor); music composition and performance (Challis and Smith); sound effects (Dean); and voice acting (D’Arcy).