Analysing a radio comedy drama

1. Analysing a Radio comedy-drama
I have found a radio comedy drama called “Romance Is dead: First Date”, created
by BBC Radio 4, and directed by Kristy Williams.
Full cast of people:
Lauren (played by Alexandra Roach)
Jamie (played by Kieran Hodgson)
Agnes (played by Celeste Dring)
Celeste (played Alice Lowe)
Dezza (played by Nick Mohammed)
Andy (played by Nick Underwood)
Writer: Ben Lewis
Themes
Romance Is Dead: First Date, is about an unwilling young psychic called Lauren,
Lauren can see dead people. The theme that this drama carries is for
entertainment; I found that the professional use of sound effects, really helped
set out the different themes, in this radio piece, for example being the listener, I
knew that the two characters Lauren and Jamie, were in a “pub” because of the
sound effects used, and that intern set the theme. Looking at the theme of this
drama, I have made a connection with this and the target audience of this station,
the title of this drama is, “Romance is Dead: First Dates” the target audience of
this station is 35-54 years old, looking at the themes and language used, I think
they have made this drama and used this specific title, for people that are within
this age range that think “Romance is dead”.
Context
Sounds:
After listening to this radio piece, I found that they have used a lot of different
sound effects to bring this drama to life, they used a lot of sounds in different
situations, for example, when Lauren was in the “pub” with Jamie, you could hear
the sounds of people talking in the background and glassing being banged
together, when your listening to audio piece, you don’t have visuals to look at, in
this case all I had to look at was a visual of a drawing, so it’s important that a
good use of sound effects are used, and in this drama they most certainly were,
they were also used when Lauren left the “pub” to get the bus, a sound effect of a
bus pulling up and it’s doors opening, were used, this gave me the chance to
create my own image in my head to what that may of looked like.

2. Language:
While listening to this radio piece, I found that the language used is of moderate
nature; it isn’t intended for a young audience. I also found that the language was
clear and understandable, throughout. I also found that the characters were
talking in an informal way throughout. I also found that language used was very
relaxed and I also found that at the beginning of episode, Lauren (Alexandra
Roach) spoke in a way that made her connect with the listener, for example at
beginning she speaks to you, asking “Look around you, do you see anyone” I also
found that the language used is very informal and relaxed.
Influences:
The influences that I have used when researching this product are, a number of
different Newsbeat documentary’s I have also got influences from different
Radio presenters, such as Greg James, Nick Grimshaw, and some other
presenters. I have also taken influences from the general way that society is,
when it comes to dating and getting in to relationships. I have also taken
influences from the TV show, “Frist Dates” when looking at the language used,
and also themes, as the TV show has some of the same contributes as the Radio
drama that I have found here.
Typography:
Looking at the font used for this pre-existing product, I have seen that they have
used a very clear and bold type of font, to ensure that it is read clearly and is
understandable to the audience. The type of font is chosen heavily, on the theme
of the website on which this documentary is being published on. For example,
BBC Radio 4’s target audience is people aged 35-54 years old, with having a
demographic of ABC 1.
Visuals for Romance Is
Dead: First Date.