Nothing But Roaring was founded back in 2022 to create unique audio dramas and born from the need for creatives to be active during the Covid pandemic. Since then they have created audio versions of Shakespeare's
Richard III and
Much Ado About Nothing. However, now, created and due for release as part of Royal & Derngate's 2024 Genfest Festival, the company brings to the airwaves their very first original drama.
Promises, written and directed by Nothing But Roaring founder Rebecca Cockcroft, tells the story of Amber, waking on the morning of her wedding day in a hotel room, worst for wear from a night out the evening before, and a very unexpected guest hiding in her room.
Promises is a tightly packed 23 minutes of whimsical but highly entertaining comedy-drama performed by a talented cast who despite the short running time create fully realised characters. As Amber, Gemma Knight brings a suitably confused edge to the situation she wakes to and as the story evolves and the true meaning of events transpires, there is a lovely warmth from her performance.
Her sparring partner for the bulk of the show is that stranger found within her room, Bob, played joyfully and childishly by Scott Bradley. Without the need for spoilers for this short drama, this perfectly suits the character, from his kid-like reaction to Amber's questioning "Did we have sex?" and to the eventual sadness of having been left behind. It's a lovely performance, perfectly mirroring Knight's.
Elsewhere, the cast is completed by two smaller roles, the first of which is writer Cockcroft taking on the role of housekeeper and clearly enjoying the chance to bring to life her own character. The housekeeper is predominately an interlude fleshing out the story, but her wackiness brings further comedy to the story with her fussing, over helpfulness. Finally, the cast is completed by hairdresser Brenda played by Danielle Corr. This is a role predominantly there to allow the culmination of the story to take place, but Corr is lively and enthusiastic in the role.
Luke Wood provides technical production and recording and while the audio is simply done with limited sound effects or soundscapes, the finish is excellent with a clear clarity of audio quality with dialogue at all times perfectly balanced.
Promises is a delightful story, a sort of a telling of a Twilight Zone-style story reimagined by BBC Radio Four and perfectly suited to a relaxing half-hour in your company with just a pair of headphones to block out the world.
A funny and whimsical tale excellently produced.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
