Disclosure: This feature is based on press information supplied by the Royal Court Theatre and BBC Radio 4. Listening links are included for readers’ convenience.
BBC Radio 4 and the Royal Court Theatre are bringing seventy years of contemporary playwriting to listeners across the UK this autumn, beginning with a new audio production of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children on 26 September 2026.
The collaboration marks the Royal Court’s 70th anniversary and continues with seven landmark plays from the BBC archive, curated by playwright Mark Ravenhill and broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Latest Update
The season begins on Saturday 26 September at 3pm on BBC Radio 4. Archive productions then air nightly on BBC Radio 4 Extra until 2 October and are due to remain available through BBC Sounds for 28 days after broadcast.
A New Radio Production of The Children
Lucy Kirkwood’s award-winning play premiered at the Royal Court in 2016 before transferring internationally, including to Broadway. The new audio production stars Emma Fielding as Rose, Anastasia Hille as Hazel and Stanley Townsend as Robin.
Three retired nuclear physicists are reunited near the damaged power station where they once worked. As old relationships and divisions emerge, Rose reveals a proposal that forces the group to confront personal and professional responsibility during a wider crisis.
- Broadcast: Saturday 26 September 2026
- Time: 3pm–4.30pm
- Station: BBC Radio 4
- Director: Mary Peate
- Producer: Jessica Dromgoole
- Sound design: Peter Ringrose
- Original music: Jon Nicholls
Seven Plays from the BBC Archive
Mark Ravenhill has selected seven audio adaptations representing different eras and voices from the Royal Court’s history:
- 26 September, 8.30pm: Look Back in Anger by John Osborne
- 27 September, 8.30pm: Roots by Arnold Wesker
- 28 September, 8.30pm: Sizwe Banzi Is Dead by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona
- 29 September, 8.30pm: Top Girls by Caryl Churchill
- 30 September, 8.30pm: Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker
- 1 October, 8.30pm: Random by debbie tucker green
- 2 October, 9.30pm: Cuttin’ It by Charlene James
The archive casts include performers such as Ben Whishaw, David Bradley, Sheila Hancock, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Elliot Levey, Siobhan Finneran and the late Helen McCrory.
Why This Collaboration Matters
Radio makes these landmark plays accessible beyond London and gives listeners a route into work they may never have encountered on stage. It also turns the Royal Court’s anniversary into more than a retrospective: the season traces changing theatrical voices, from the anger of the 1950s through Black British, female and contemporary writing.
Where to Listen
The Children airs on BBC Radio 4. The archive season airs on BBC Radio 4 Extra, with programmes also expected on BBC Sounds for 28 days after their broadcasts. Check the BBC Sounds service and current BBC schedules before listening because availability can change.
Listening and Accessibility
These are audio productions designed for radio listening. BBC Sounds can be used through its website and supported apps, but programme availability and device features vary. Readers who need transcripts or other specific access support should check each programme page or contact the BBC before listening.
More Royal Court Theatre on Clarissa’s Corner
Read my Royal Court archive guide to Scenes from a Repatriation, explore the Autumn 2026 theatre guide, and watch for the separate 2026 Open Submissions Festival guide.
FAQ
When does the BBC Radio 4 and Royal Court season begin?
It begins on Saturday 26 September 2026 with Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children at 3pm on BBC Radio 4.
Who stars in The Children?
Emma Fielding plays Rose, Anastasia Hille plays Hazel and Stanley Townsend plays Robin.
Where can I hear the archive plays?
They are scheduled for BBC Radio 4 Extra and are due to be available on BBC Sounds for 28 days after broadcast.
Who selected the archive season?
Playwright Mark Ravenhill curated the seven Royal Court plays from the BBC archive.
