Credits
Written by James Bugg. Directed by James Bugg and John Wakefield. Produced by John Wakefield
Geoff: Chris White. Alan: Dan Wood. Commentator: Jack Roberts. Janet: Anjali Vyas-brannick. Music by Karl Kramer and James Whittle
Written by James Bugg. Directed by James Bugg and John Wakefield. Produced by John Wakefield
Geoff: Chris White. Alan: Dan Wood. Commentator: Jack Roberts. Janet: Anjali Vyas-brannick. Music by Karl Kramer and James Whittle
Audio
Awards: Best Speech (Bronze) - Student Radio Awards 2011 (supported by BBC Radio 4)
About the Production
It’s rare that a book is given to me that I cannot put down but when it was handed a script by James Bugg, a student at York, about of all things Table Football it was hours before I looked up again, so desperate was I to know the outcome of one socially awkward Yorkshireman’s story.
‘The More Beautiful Game’ is the story of Yorkshireman and world class athlete, Geoff Batterson (played by Chris White) who wants to see his sport in the 2012 London Olympic games. There is a catch though. The sport is table football. Geoff not only faces the challenge of convincing the Olympic committee, but must also be wary of rising table football star Kazayuki Takamoto, who threatens Batterson's place as World Number 1. As the hearing, and the table football World Cup final approach, Geoff, along with his best friend Alan (Dan Wood) test their friendship, their nerve and their devotion to the more beautiful game.
It was a great privilege to co-direct and produce the drama, working with some of the finest actors York University has to offer and we had multiple auditions to cope all those interested in taking part.
We recorded in a variety of places across campus to really give the drama the feel of a professional production despite our limited facilities, ranging from a studio feel to small rooms and a variety of performance spaces.
Furthermore the specially commissioned s music adds to the comedy and gives the piece a unity and professional feel that reveals the combined talent of many areas of interest from students across the university. I met with the composers on multiple occasions to discuss what we wanted from the music and they took my ideas and rehearsed it with some of the most talented singers at the university.
About the Production
It’s rare that a book is given to me that I cannot put down but when it was handed a script by James Bugg, a student at York, about of all things Table Football it was hours before I looked up again, so desperate was I to know the outcome of one socially awkward Yorkshireman’s story.
‘The More Beautiful Game’ is the story of Yorkshireman and world class athlete, Geoff Batterson (played by Chris White) who wants to see his sport in the 2012 London Olympic games. There is a catch though. The sport is table football. Geoff not only faces the challenge of convincing the Olympic committee, but must also be wary of rising table football star Kazayuki Takamoto, who threatens Batterson's place as World Number 1. As the hearing, and the table football World Cup final approach, Geoff, along with his best friend Alan (Dan Wood) test their friendship, their nerve and their devotion to the more beautiful game.
It was a great privilege to co-direct and produce the drama, working with some of the finest actors York University has to offer and we had multiple auditions to cope all those interested in taking part.
We recorded in a variety of places across campus to really give the drama the feel of a professional production despite our limited facilities, ranging from a studio feel to small rooms and a variety of performance spaces.
Furthermore the specially commissioned s music adds to the comedy and gives the piece a unity and professional feel that reveals the combined talent of many areas of interest from students across the university. I met with the composers on multiple occasions to discuss what we wanted from the music and they took my ideas and rehearsed it with some of the most talented singers at the university.
Student Radio Awards Judges Comments
•The theme and use of music is inspired and really makes this entry stand out. Some lovely, genuinely funny lines and good well-rounded characters. Its also a well put together entry, allowing us to get a real sense of the narrative so I never felt lost. Also, the only entry I’ve heard so far where I’d like to listen to the whole programme.
•The concept is compelling. Music is cleverly different and charming.Mixing is good. Gladly a drama that doesn't make the mistake of claiming to be a comedy, In doing so it makes me smile more than most comedy simply by being naturally charming and believable. The acting is strong and the recording/mix very good. This team have done a great job and I rate them very highly. However much I love some of the other entries, this is my
favourite. And I don't even like REAL football.
•What a fantastic concept for a radio play and absolutely brilliantly executed. A clever twist on contemporary events and a storyline to really hook your listener in and get them involved in the table football world. Slick production too and flawless acting.
•Really liked the idea of this - sounds like a lot of work too. Engaging script.
•Really good collaborative programme, with the written material bringing out the effort that's gone into this - getting music specially composed and recording in different sites. And a great very original concept too. Good work.
•Ambitious, well produced, great use of soundscape, well acted, well written. Excellent.
•strong idea, some skilful writing and engaging acting. engaging production values.
•The theme and use of music is inspired and really makes this entry stand out. Some lovely, genuinely funny lines and good well-rounded characters. Its also a well put together entry, allowing us to get a real sense of the narrative so I never felt lost. Also, the only entry I’ve heard so far where I’d like to listen to the whole programme.
•The concept is compelling. Music is cleverly different and charming.Mixing is good. Gladly a drama that doesn't make the mistake of claiming to be a comedy, In doing so it makes me smile more than most comedy simply by being naturally charming and believable. The acting is strong and the recording/mix very good. This team have done a great job and I rate them very highly. However much I love some of the other entries, this is my
favourite. And I don't even like REAL football.
•What a fantastic concept for a radio play and absolutely brilliantly executed. A clever twist on contemporary events and a storyline to really hook your listener in and get them involved in the table football world. Slick production too and flawless acting.
•Really liked the idea of this - sounds like a lot of work too. Engaging script.
•Really good collaborative programme, with the written material bringing out the effort that's gone into this - getting music specially composed and recording in different sites. And a great very original concept too. Good work.
•Ambitious, well produced, great use of soundscape, well acted, well written. Excellent.
•strong idea, some skilful writing and engaging acting. engaging production values.
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