This episode explores the use of drama within Manchester’s Piccadilly Radio, examining how sound design, performance and narrative structure were used to create immersive “theatre of the mind” experiences for listeners. It considers how radio drama techniques shaped storytelling and influenced later audio formats including podcasts.

The programme includes archive material from Manchester Central Library and uses licensed sound effects and music to support the narrative.

You can search the archive from home and listen to over 1,800 full shows on Manchester Central Library's Sound + Vision pods.

This podcast is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Manchester Libraries Trust.

Archive credits

Archive audio from the Piccadilly Radio Collection, full shows available at  Manchester Central Library. Copyright Bauer Media – all rights reserved:

• Hunter’s Moon by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/770)
• Last Rose of Summer by Stephen Gallagher, 1978 (PICC/762)
• The Babylon Run by Stephen Gallagher, 1979 (PICC2/274)

Licensed audio

• Auto Engine Prem11-0514 – Envato Elements
• Baby Elephant Ody-0231-042 – Envato Elements
• Car Boot Open – Envato Elements
• Dramatic Shift – Envato Elements
• Elephant Trumpeting Pe024801 – Envato Elements
• Fight Kit Punches Odc-0019-323 – Envato Elements
• Gun Cocking – Envato Elements
• Ldj Audio City Ambience Envato Elements
• Running Steps Envato Elements

Rights statement

All licensed material is used in accordance with the terms of the relevant subscription licences. All archive and third-party material remains the property of its respective rights holders.

Narration

Podcast narrative written, researched and read by Dr. Philip Johnstone: Creative Commons licence CC-BY-4.0 (Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 Licence).

Our next bonus episode on Piccadilly Radio's horror and suspense programming is out on 15 August!