We chat to Septembers writer Vincent Maguire, who has four audio dramas available via our podcast; The Crickets Stayed Home in Lubbock, Mick McGrory Says, Leaving this shore and Passport for a Terrorist.

You can listen to the first week's episode for free via our podcast, subscribe to hear them all or listen to them via our Theatre Partners: TDR+, PBO+ or Ayr Gaiety.

Once a successful Buddy Holly tribute musician, Andy faces the consequences of his ruthless ambition decades earlier, when he abandoned his band and girlfriend Beth to pursue fame in London. Now older with declining health and a faltering career, Andy encounters Beth, also older and in poor health, at a small pub gig during his struggling comeback tour. Their conversation confronts Andy with the repercussions of his selfish choices - Beth's anger and sense of betrayal, his best friend Shug's mental breakdown and destroyed future. Through interacting with Beth and his tour manager, Charlie, Andy must face brutal truths about the Faustian bargain he made trading relationships for fleeting fame. This drama explores the melancholy intersection of ageing, regret over roads not taken, and the bittersweet memory of lost youthful dreams. Ultimately, it reveals the inner world of a man who realizes the moral cost of forsaking those he loves for the lonely heights of success.

This month's episodes are the last in season 1. Stay subscribed for more info on season 2, which is coming soon!

Season 1 Dates:

• SEP - Vincent Maguire – Passport for a Terrorist, Leaving This Shore, Mick McGrory and The Crickets Stayed Home in Lubbock

Plays available in full:

• OCT 23 - Sarah Hauck – Starr Crossed
• NOV - Phil Baarda – Bone Cave Man
• DEC - Birgit Itse – What is it we keep talking about, Pure Baltic and Time of Our Lives
• JAN 24 - Benjamin Harris- The Wolf of Badenoch
• FEB - Susan Chaney – Beyond Ash Lagoon, First Love and The Precptory
• MAR - Alyssa Osiecki - Essential Work Only
• APR - Crystal Galbraith – Prides a Riot
• MAY - Fiona Black – Super Seniors
• JUN - Liam Alexandru – Waiting for Mary, A Matter of Time and Balloons and Cigarettes
• JUL - Lila Malkonen – Tales of the Ferry Girl
• AUG - Amy Hawes - Gameshow

Download the full production via our partners:

1. ⁠⁠⁠Ayr Gaiety⁠⁠⁠
2. ⁠⁠⁠Dumfries Royal Plus⁠⁠⁠
3. ⁠⁠⁠Perthshire Box Office Plus⁠⁠⁠

Join Barry for an interview with Amy, the gifted playwright of 'Gameshow'. Uncover the creative spark that ignited this distinctive play, which narrates a tale from a TV show and explores the shadowy aspects of television production.

Episode 1 of the audio drama is free to listen to, with a subscription required for parts 2-4. Alternatively, you can purchase the full production Via our theatre Partners - Dumfries Royal Theatre Plus, Ayr Gaiety or Perthshire Box Office Plus

'Lifeline' is a reality game show that exploits the personal lives of its contestants for entertainment. The show puts couples against randomly selected audience members to compete for "life bonuses" such as dream houses, surrogacy programs, and more. The contestants are asked increasingly personal questions, with the show using their private data against them, and even manipulating footage of their loved ones. As tensions escalate in a farcical style, the contestants reveal ever more shocking truths to stay in the running. However, the show's absurd rules seem designed to push ethical boundaries for audience amusement, rather than to award prizes. This provocative satire exposes the darker side of today's data-driven landscape, amplified by the fourth wall-breaking presentation style. Ultimately, as their darkest secrets spill out, the losing contestants must consider if any "dream life prize" is worth the ethical costs. 'Lifeline' makes for an incisive and electric theatre experience.

Episodes 1 -4 released weekly

Season 1 Dates:

• AUG - Amy Hawes - Gameshow

• SEP - Vincent Maguire – Passport for a Terrorist, Leaving This Shore, Mick McGrory and The Crickets Stayed Home in Lubbock

Plays available in full:

• OCT 23 - Sarah Hauck – Starr Crossed
• NOV - Phil Baarda – Bone Cave Man
• DEC - Birgit Itse – What is it we keep talking about, Pure Baltic and Time of Our Lives
• JAN 24 - Benjamin Harris- The Wolf of Badenoch
• FEB - Susan Chaney – Beyond Ash Lagoon, First Love and The Precptory
• MAR - Alyssa Osiecki - Essential Work Only
• APR - Crystal Galbraith – Prides a Riot
• MAY - Fiona Black – Super Seniors
• JUN - Liam Alexandru – Waiting for Mary, A Matter of Time and Balloons and Cigarettes
• JUL - Lila Malkonen – Tales of the Ferry Girl

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Download the full production via our partners:

1. ⁠Ayr Gaiety⁠
2. ⁠Dumfries Royal Plus⁠
3. ⁠Perthshire Box Office Plus⁠

Join Barry as he interviews Lilia, the talented playwright behind "Tales of a Fairy Girl." Discover the inspiration behind this unique play that explores death, Finnish mythology, and the human experience. Lilia shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the deeper meanings woven into her work.

Episode 1 of the audio drama is free to listen to, with a subscription required for episode 2-4. Alternatively listen via our partner stores: Theatre Royal Theatre Plus, Perthire Box Office Plus or The Gaiety Theatre in Ayr

The Tales of the Ferry Girl follows Tytti, a mythical guide tasked with escorting souls to the afterlife. Over several vignettes, she engages in thought-provoking conversations about mortality, purpose and letting go with those facing the ends of their lives, including an elder, a child and a conflicted young person, as the ferry girl born to serve the Queen of the Dead, sixteen-year-old Tytti grapples with her questions about destiny and free will. She must find the courage to confront her grief and loneliness as she aims to bring peace to souls embarking on their last journey. This atmospheric drama evokes the haunting soundscapes of Sibelius while exploring the human search for meaning. Will Tytti make peace with her duty in the land where the sun always shines and one day loses all memory of the next? The Tales of the Ferry Girl is a moving reflection on the brevity of life and our attempts to control an unknowable fate.

Episodes 1 - 4 released weekly

About Stories From The Grey Hill Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is a podcast supporting and showcasing new Audio Theatre writing. Showcasing 12 playwrights and 14 actors, season 1 will last for one year! By subscribing, you support The Grey Hill in producing more new writing here in Scotland.

Season 1 Dates:

• JUL - Lila Malkonen – Tales of the Ferry Girl

• AUG - Amy Hawes - Gameshow

• SEP - Vincent Maguire – Passport for a Terrorist, Leaving This Shore, Mick McGrory and The Crickets Stayed Home in Lubbock

Plays available in full:

• OCT 23 - Sarah Hauck – Starr Crossed
• NOV - Phil Baarda – Bone Cave Man
• DEC - Birgit Itse – What is it we keep talking about, Pure Baltic and Time of Our Lives
• JAN 24 - Benjamin Harris- The Wolf of Badenoch
• FEB - Susan Chaney – Beyond Ash Lagoon, First Love and The Precptory
• MAR - Alyssa Osiecki - Essential Work Only
• APR - Crystal Galbraith – Prides a Riot
• MAY - Fiona Black – Super Seniors
• JUN - Liam Alexandru – Waiting for Mary, A Matter of Time and Balloons and Cigarettes

• 
  

Download the full production via our partners:

1. Ayr Gaiety
2. Dumfries Royal Plus
3. Perthshire Box Office Plus

In this conversation, Barry Robertson interviews Liam Alexandru, a playwright, about his plays A Matter of Time, Balloons and Cigarettes, and Waiting for Mary. Liam discusses his writing process, the inspiration behind his plays, and the importance of storytelling. He emphasizes the value of writing unique stories and finding one's voice as a writer. Liam also shares his experiences with criticism and the importance of perseverance. He believes that literary success is about connecting with readers and making an impact with one's stories. Liam Alexandru reflects on his writing journey and offers advice to his younger self. He emphasizes the importance of being honest and open to critique, as it can lead to growth and new ideas. He encourages his younger self to enjoy the process of writing and not be afraid of failure. Liam also discusses his play 'A Matter of Time,' which explores the theme of choices and decisions through the lens of time travel. He shares his love for video games and how they influence his storytelling. Liam highlights the power of theatre to provoke thought and engage the audience in a deeper understanding of human life.

"Waiting for Mary" is a gripping and intense audio play that delves into complexities of friendship, love, and betrayal. Written by Liam Alexandru, this thought-provoking drama follows the story of two best friends and roommates, Eddie and Rudy, whose lives are thrown into turmoil when it is revealed that Rudy has slept with Eddie's girlfriend, Mary.

As tensions rise and secrets are exposed, the characters confront their desires, fears, and the consequences of their actions. With sharp dialogue and powerful performances, "Waiting for Mary" explores the blurred lines between loyalty and temptation, forcing the characters to question the very nature of their relationships.

This audio play is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates raw, emotionally charged storytelling that tackles the darker aspects of human nature. As Eddie and Rudy wait for Mary's arrival, listeners will be drawn into a world where trust is shattered, and the bonds of friendship are put to the ultimate test.

Episode 2 is available next week. Followed by A Matter of Time and Balloons and Cigarettes are available as part of our podcast subscription or purchased as an audiobook via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ayr Gaiety⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theatre Royal Dumfries⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About Stories From The Grey Hill Podcast:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Is a podcast supporting and showcasing new Audio Theatre writing. Showcasing 12 playwrights and 14 actors, season 1 will last for one year! By subscribing, you support The Grey Hill in producing more new writing here in Scotland.

Season 1 Dates:

• JUN - Liam Alexandru – Waiting for Mary, A Matter of Time and Balloons and Cigarettes

• JUL - Lila Malkonen – Tales of the Ferry Girl

• AUG - Amy Hawes - Gameshow

• SEP - Vincent Maguire – Passport for a Terrorist, Leaving This Shore, Mick McGrory and The Crickets Stayed Home in Lubbock

Plays available in full:

• OCT 23 - Sarah Hauck – Starr Crossed
• NOV - Phil Baarda – Bone Cave Man
• DEC - Birgit Itse – What is it we keep talking about, Pure Baltic and Time of Our Lives
• JAN 24 - Benjamin Harris- The Wolf of Badenoch
• FEB - Susan Chaney – Beyond Ash Lagoon, First Love and The Precptory
• MAR - Alyssa Osiecki - Essential Work Only
• APR - Crystal Galbraith – Prides a Riot
• MAY - Fiona Black – Super Seniors