Whenever you read the name Donovan Joyce on a CD cover, take note. He was one of the incredible people in radio, producing radio drama that was so good that broadcasting stations and sponsors were prepared to lay out big money, frequently before the program was made and often without hearing even a brief preview.

When Grace Gibson Radio recently released Gabrielle, produced by Donovan Joyce, I immediately snapped up a copy; not for a moment disappointed but presented with many surprises.

Like many of Joyce’s work, he never tolerated the average or even good writers for his programs, so when he decided on the adaptation of this bestselling novel by Christine Brookner, Donovan brought onboard one of the best radio and TV writers to handle the job, Richard Lane.

Gabrielle is about a dead woman who takes over the life of a stranger. Each episode of the 104-chapter set is filled with intrigue and drama, however this saga never ventures into the far-fetched category. In fact, it provides the listener a storyline of surprising twists and turns including a graphic enlightenment about an often forgotten yet frightening aspect of the Second World War. According to the words of the storyteller, Gabrielle is beautiful, sophisticated and enchanting while never claiming to be more than a common gardener. It didn’t take long before I had formed and illusory relationship with the character and like the story-teller was intent on meeting this mysterious Gabrielle thanks to the superb performance of Dinah Shearing.

If your choice of storytelling is anchored in the believable but laced with captivating and enthralling creative writing, then Gabrielle is one not to miss.

Gabrielle stars Dinah Shearing and Frank waters with some excellent support from Alan Trevor, Guy Doleman and Harp McGuire.

If you love a good radio drama, a podcast or talking book then this is a must for your collection: The Knave of Hearts, by Lindsay Hardy, author of Dossier on Dumetrius, Deadly Nightshade and 26 Hours.

Hardy left Australian in 1952 for a very successful career in Hollywood. On his return to Australia in 1956 he scripted The Knave of Hearts and a number of other quality radio dramas for Donovan Joyce. The success of The Knave of Hearts led to the publication of the story as a book, titled The Grand Duke and Mr. Pimm and a Hollywood movie, Loves and Ball starring Glenn Ford, Hope Lange and Charles Boyer. The film was great but the radio drama was even better. The Knave of Hearts was sold to the Major Broadcasting Network for a near record amount before the serial was written. So great was the reputation of Lindsay Hardy!

The Knave of Hearts is different but demonstrates the diversity and quality that radio drama presents to the listener. We have waited a long time for the re-issue of The Knave of Hearts. Make sure that you take this opportunity to hear one of the all-time classics of Australian radio.
Peter Philp Author of Drama in Silent Rooms (the history of Australian radio drama) Broadcasting Historian.

In the unlikable theatres of war, we all have great admiration for those Australian soldiers who gave their lives and for those returned troops who were prepared to risk everything in the name of peace and liberty. One of the lesser-known campaigns involved the women of the 8th Division AIF in Malay, Australian nurses, who suffered unbearable pain and abuse at the hands of their Japanese masters in prisoner of war camps. They became known as The White Coolies.

Some of the most powerful images of those terrifying times has been reproduced by radio where the listener is always engaged as the cinematographer. As the listener to these disturbing moments, you experience the reality of what these Australian women suffered. However, White Coolies is more than a living experience. It is our history that every Australian should understand and appreciate. It remains a major chapter in Australia’s war story.

The script for White Coolies has been adapted from the diaries written secretly in these shocking camps by one of few survivors, Betty Jeffrey. Surprisingly, in an era when male performers dominated radio drama, the entire cast is female. The dairies were adapted by a woman, Sydney’s Gwen Friend and produced by one of Australia’s leading radio and theatrical women, Fiffi Banvard. The radio production is both a dramatic presentation and a powerful historical documentary.

In the starring role as Sister Betty Jeffrey is Ruth Cracknell, playing what I believe is her most celebrated radio performance. You will probably best remember Ruth for her stage and film work, however after hearing White Coolies, I’m sure you’ll list this role as one of Ruth’s most compelling performances. Not an easy part to play, a 26-hour production of vivid and intense action, yet Ruth never allows the dramatics to destroy this remarkable story. Even the seasoned producer, Fifi Banvard, admitted the re-creation of the dairies to radio was ‘very challenging’. Supporting Ruth is a cast of outstanding Australian actresses including June Salter, Queenie Ashton, Diana Perryman and Margo Lee.

Australian broadcasting is notable for a vast variety of outstanding shows and players. I would suggest that While Coolies is one of the finest pieces of Australian radio ever made. It is a listening must.