That’s ‘slow but sure’, my school motto, incase you were marvelling at my Latin…

I’m referring to the possible production of my first radio play If I Fall.

You may recall from a previous post my mentor, John Burgess, was impressed with my script (written as an assignment for my Nuffield Theatre Writers Group) and sent it to a Radio 4 producer, way back in February.

Well, back in July, John had a call from the producer who said he’d read through quite a number of scripts from experienced writers – many of whom had had plays previously produced for Radio 4 – but rejected them all.

All, that is, save one.

He had called to say he very much liked and was seriously considering the play If I Fall and was enquiring about the writer.

John said I should be very pleased with myself since the producer had obviously considered my script to be better than others written by professional writers.

And naturally I am; though of course this doesn’t mean anything, other than my radio play has nudged along a stage further.

Slowly, but surely.

And then, last week, I had another pleasant discussion with John.

It appears the producer has decided to put my script forward for Radio 4 to consider. He has been allocated a couple of afternoon play slots in 2010 and subject to approval from the good old BBC would like to produce If I Fall for one of them.

John was asking if I could write a two to three hundred word pitch, basically giving a synopsis and ‘selling’ the play.

Well it took a while, a couple of days actually, but I did it. Not sure if it’s what is needed, but I know John will help edit/rewrite to get it in the format/style it needs to be in order to have a chance of winning over the Beeb and getting someone there to commission the production.

I must continue to stress though: I’m still not holding my breath!

There are so many completely unknown (to me) factors involved in getting an afternoon play produced, and there are no guarantees, even then, it’ll get broadcast.

There are plenty of hoops and hurdles to hamper the progress, but I am obviously very, very pleased with what’s happened so far, and will be quite contented even if it doesn’t get any further.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed though, and would be very honoured if you could do the same!

Sero sed serie, my friends. Sero sed serie.