Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Thrillers

Orphans in Waiting & The Children of Witchwood

A pair of thriller series from prolific radio writer Wally K. Daly 
 
Award-winning dramatist Wally K. Daly penned numerous plays for BBC Radio across a range of genres, including the beloved sci-fi ‘Scream Trilogy’ and the sitcoms Anything Legal and Give Or Take. Featured here are two of his gripping thriller series: the tense spy serial Orphans in Waiting and the eerie supernatural story The Children of Witchwood. 
 
Orphans in Waiting – Schoolboy Mike Jago wakes from one nightmare only to find he’s living in another. His parents have disappeared overnight, leaving him, his brother Pete and his sister Janey all alone. Reluctant to call the police, the children investigate – and soon notice strange things. Why are there helicopter marks in the garden? Who is the stranger keeping watch on the house through his binoculars? What is in their father’s briefcase? And who – or what – is The Hyena? As they attempt to unravel these mysteries, they find themselves in grave danger, and pursued by a deadly enemy... Starring Judy Bennett, Abigail Docherty and Simon Radford. 
 
The Children of Witchwood – When college student Jackie Lamont disappears from the haunted ‘Burning Field’, only to reappear, just as mysteriously, in possession of strange telepathic powers, it attracts the attention of the Ministry of Defence. Investigator B Q Brown believes there is a possible link between her newfound abilities and sinister events back in the 17th century, when six children were burned as witches. Meanwhile, the Cranford clan, who have carefully guarded a dark secret for hundreds of years, now regard Jackie as a threat. What lengths will they go to protect their birthright? Wendy Baxter and Michael Cochrane star in Wally K. Daly’s last ever radio drama series. 
 
NB: Due to the off-air nature of the recordings, the sound quality may vary. 
 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Audio for Orphans in Waiting from Wally K. Daly's own collection 
 
Orphans in Waiting 
Mike – Judy Bennett 
Janey – Abigail Docherty 
Peter – Simon Radford 
Headmaster – Peter Jeffrey 
Store Manager – Danny Schiller 
Woman – Auriol Smith 
Uncle Brian – Frank Windsor 
Auntie Vi – Jo Manning Wilson 
Grandfather – Edward Kelsey 
Other parts played by Joanna Myers, Timothy Carlton, Andrew Wincott, Tariq Alibai, John Talbot, Elizabeth Mansfield, Tony Wredden, Bhasker, Fraser Kerr, Amerjit Deu and David Bannerman 
 
Produced by Dan Garrett 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 5, 27 Aug-1 Oct 1990 
 
The Children of Witchwood 
Jackie Lamont – Wendy Baxter 
Mandy Lamont – Emily Chennery 
Sion Lamont – Scott Gray 
Jason Cranford – Laurence Saunders 
Cheever Cranford – Jez Thomas 
Becky Cranford – Becky Wright 
DC Danny Sparks – Daniel Settatree 
WPC Polly Bell – Lorraine Coady 
Mother/Minister – Jilly Bond 
Sergeant/B Q Brown – Michael Cochrane 
Iron Peter/Dentist – Robert Lister 
 
Directed by Jenny Stephens 
 
First broadcast on BBC 7, 3-7 Jan 2005 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

Give or Take

Wally K. Daly's eight-part comedy about a young couple who scoop the jackpot on the football pools 
 
Bank clerk Sam Baker spends all day surrounded by other people's money. For four years, he's been hopefully filling out a pools coupon every week, and dreaming of a big win - but with no joy. Then one day, Lady Luck finally smiles on him. To his total amazement, he wins half a million pounds - enough to change his life, and that of his wife Annabel. 
 
The duo are delighted with their good fortune, and head off to London to collect the cheque and celebrate. But when their family and friends find out the news, and the press get in on the act, Sam and Annabel discover that being a pools winner isn't roses all the way. Their newfound wealth is going to take a bit of getting used to - and there are a few surprises in store for everyone... 
 
Scripted by veteran writer Wally K. Daly, Give or Take stars David Roper (The Cuckoo Waltz, EastEnders) as Sam and Sharon Duce (Doctors, London's Burning) as Annabel, alongside a host of well-known character actors including Patsy Rowlands, John Horsley, Gorden Kaye, Tenniel Evans and Hugh Paddick. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Announcer: Peter Donaldson 
Theme music by Jim Parker 
 
Cast 
Sam - David Roper 
Annabel - Sharon Duce 
Rose - Patsy Rowlands 
Bank Manager/Mr Snow - John Horsley 
Woman - Petra Davies 
Policeman - Roland MacLeod 
Cyril/Milkman - Jon Glover 
Fred - Bill Owen 
Pools Official - Robert Gillespie 
Mirabelle/Marigold - Deirdre Costello 
Police Officer/Desk Sergeant - David Tate 
Telegraph Man - Gorden Kaye 
Uncle Brian - Maurice Lane 
Postman - Richard Davies/Tenniel Evans 
Cedric - Hugh Paddick 
Reporter - Vicky Ogden 
Bolton Bill - George A Cooper 
Doctor - John Clive 
Parker - John Bott 
Receptionist - Maggie Shelvin 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 17 December 1979-4 February 1980 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Six BBC Radio 4 full-cast productions

Wally K. Daly: The Scream Trilogy & other sci-fi dramas

Wally K. Daly's acclaimed trilogy about alien invasion, plus three more gripping sci-fi thrillers 
 
Wally K. Daly was a prolific, award-winning dramatist, whose writing credits included Casualty, Juliet Bravo and Doctor Who. He wrote 38 radio plays during his 30-year career, across a range of genres including comedy, horror and science fiction. This collection includes his best-known SF serial, The Scream Trilogy, and three other thrilling sci-fi dramas. 
 
The Scream Trilogy - In Before The Screaming Begins, Tom Harris is abducted by aliens on his wedding anniversary, and returned with new, frightening mental powers. The Silent Scream sees the alien invasion gathering pace, and humanity struggling to fend off enemies from without and within. And in With a Whimper to the Grave, the nations of Earth have formed a World Council to combat the threat they face. As the invaders' sinister plans are revealed, the Council takes action... Starring James Laurenson, Donald Hewlett, Patrick Troughton and John Shrapnel. 
 
Nightmare World - When a worldwide power failure brings confusion and terror to Earth, one town in every country undergoes a strange and startling transformation. James Laurenson and Nigel Anthony star. 
 
2004 - Written in 1995, this dystopian vision of the new millennium imagines a chaotic Britain consumed by lawlessness and violence. Into this troubled landscape steps a new Prime Minister, with a high-tech plan to eliminate crime... Starring Bill Nighy. 
 
625Y - In this intriguing two-part drama, research scientist Kate Brown stumbles upon a gene that could determine human lifespan - but when news of her discovery leaks out, events spiral out of control... Amanda Root stars as Kate. 
 
NB: Due to the off-air nature of the recordings, the sound quality may vary 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced and directed by Martin Jenkins (The Scream Trilogy), David Hitchinson (Nightmare World, 2004) and Gordon House (625Y) 
Audio for The Scream Trilogy from Wally K. Daly's own collection, reversioned into three parts by BBC Radio 4 Extra 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wally K. Daly's acclaimed trilogy about alien invasion, plus three more gripping sci-fi thrillers 
 
Wally K. Daly was a prolific, award-winning dramatist, whose writing credits included Casualty, Juliet Bravo and Doctor Who. He wrote 38 radio plays during his 30-year career, across a range of genres including comedy, horror and science fiction. This collection includes his best-known SF serial, The Scream Trilogy, and three other thrilling sci-fi dramas. 
 
The Scream Trilogy - In Before The Screaming Begins, Tom Harris is abducted by aliens on his wedding anniversary, and returned with new, frightening mental powers. The Silent Scream sees the alien invasion gathering pace, and humanity struggling to fend off enemies from without and within. And in With a Whimper to the Grave, the nations of Earth have formed a World Council to combat the threat they face. As the invaders' sinister plans are revealed, the Council takes action... Starring James Laurenson, Donald Hewlett, Patrick Troughton and John Shrapnel. 
 
Nightmare World - When a worldwide power failure brings confusion and terror to Earth, one town in every country undergoes a strange and startling transformation. James Laurenson and Nigel Anthony star. 
 
2004 - Written in 1995, this dystopian vision of the new millennium imagines a chaotic Britain consumed by lawlessness and violence. Into this troubled landscape steps a new Prime Minister, with a high-tech plan to eliminate crime... Starring Bill Nighy. 
 
625Y - In this intriguing two-part drama, research scientist Kate Brown stumbles upon a gene that could determine human lifespan - but when news of her discovery leaks out, events spiral out of control... Amanda Root stars as Kate. 
 
NB: Due to the off-air nature of the recordings, the sound quality may vary 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced and directed by Martin Jenkins (The Scream Trilogy), David Hitchinson (Nightmare World, 2004) and Gordon House (625Y) 
Audio for The Scream Trilogy from Wally K. Daly's own collection, reversioned into three parts by BBC Radio 4 Extra 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast comedy crime capers

The Burglar’s Bargains Trilogy

Wally K. Daly's sparkling trilogy of comic crime capers featuring the prison inmates of B Block 
 
When Bullet Head, Fingers and the other B Block cons meet Prisoners' Aid society members Charles Forbes and George Evans, trouble ensues. Soon, they are embroiled in daring escapades involving an upmarket department store, the Tower of London and the Bank of England... 
 
Burglar's Bargains - For 16 years, Charles and George have helped former prisoners to make a new start. But with forced retirement imminent, they decide to cross the line into criminality. With the assistance of B Block's finest, they mastermind the heist of the century - but events don't go entirely to plan, as they get tangled up with rival gangs, the Mafia and naked shop assistants... 
 
A Right Royal Rip-Off - Now happily ensconced behind bars, Charles and George are keeping themselves busy organising a full curriculum of artistic and cultural activities for their fellow inmates. But their cushy life is threatened when they learn that they're up for parole. The only way to stay inside is to commit another crime: so, aided by their jailbird friends, they plan their most audacious job yet - stealing the Crown Jewels. 
 
The Bigger They Are - Out of prison and holidaying in Sicily, Charles and George spot an old enemy from A Block, 'Machine Gun' Calloni. Determined to find out what this notorious Mafiosi is up to, they eavesdrop on a meeting of his 'Family' - and discover a plot to defraud the Bank of England. Enlisting the help of their criminal cronies once more, they set out to thwart Cosa Nostra... 
 
Written by veteran dramatist Wally K. Daly, these funny, light-hearted dramas perfectly evoke the glory days of the British crime caper movie. Peter Jones (The Rag Trade) and Lockwood West (Please Sir!, Doctor at Large) star as Charles and George, while the ensemble cast includes 'Carry On' regulars Charles Hawtrey and Bernard Bresslaw, and It Ain't Half Hot Mum's Donald Hewlett. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced and directed by Martin Jenkins 
Audio provided by the author 
 
NB: Due to the off-air nature of the recordings, the sound quality may vary 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Anything Legal: A Tale of Two City Gents

Wally K. Daly's 1980s comedy about a pair of new entrepreneurs who'll do anything...as long as it's legal 
 
Best friends George and Charles have been commuting to work together for 15 years. Then, one fateful day, they both find out that they're being laid off. For a while, they keep the news secret and carry on as normal, but eventually they have no choice but to admit the truth. It's time to take action and find alternative employment - but how? 
 
When the Job Centre proves a dead end, they set up an agency offering their services. They'll do anything - as long as it's legal... Their first ventures meet with mixed results: a commission to compose a poem gets them into hot water; a spoilt ambassador's son leads Charles a merry dance, and George has a spot of bother tailing a bizarre giant. Worried that they're not getting enough clients, the duo take on a new secretary, go on a business course that sets tongues wagging, try to improve their DIY skills and branch out into hypnotherapy - but with their business struggling, they're forced to turn to Nanny... 
 
Created by well-known radio and TV writer Wally K. Daly, this entertaining sitcom stars Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles (It Ain't Half Hot Mum) as Charles and George, with a veteran cast including Norma Ronald (The Men from the Ministry) and Dilys Laye (Carry on Camping). 
 
NB: Contains some dated language and attitudes 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Theme music by Jim Parker 
 
Cast 
Charles - Donald Hewlett 
George - Michael Knowles 
Hilary - Norma Ronald 
GJ - Tony Anholt 
Futuristics Manager - David Ryall 
Billy - Michael Bilton 
Harry the Publican - Colin Starkey 
Mr Rollings - Jon Glover 
Ticket Collector - Renu Setna 
Black Market Job Salesman - Ron Pember 
Waitress - Sonia Fraser 
Publican - Douglas Blackwell 
Isabel - Madeline Smith 
Little Willy - Stephen Greif 
Simon - Elizabeth Proud 
Miss Folliate - Frances Jeater 
Belinda Bustrom - Sherrie Hewson 
Job Applicant - Helena Breck 
Fiona Fenning - Jennifer Croxton 
Course Chairman/Ghost- Henry Stamper 
Advertising Lecturer - John Kane 
Finance Lecturer - Peter Cellier 
Mr Hunter - Roland MacLeod 
Marjorie - Dilys Laye 
Nanny - Marjorie Withers 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 12 November 1984-7 January 1985 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wally K. Daly's 1980s comedy about a pair of new entrepreneurs who'll do anything...as long as it's legal 
 
Best friends George and Charles have been commuting to work together for 15 years. Then, one fateful day, they both find out that they're being laid off. For a while, they keep the news secret and carry on as normal, but eventually they have no choice but to admit the truth. It's time to take action and find alternative employment - but how? 
 
When the Job Centre proves a dead end, they set up an agency offering their services. They'll do anything - as long as it's legal... Their first ventures meet with mixed results: a commission to compose a poem gets them into hot water; a spoilt ambassador's son leads Charles a merry dance, and George has a spot of bother tailing a bizarre giant. Worried that they're not getting enough clients, the duo take on a new secretary, go on a business course that sets tongues wagging, try to improve their DIY skills and branch out into hypnotherapy - but with their business struggling, they're forced to turn to Nanny... 
 
Created by well-known radio and TV writer Wally K. Daly, this entertaining sitcom stars Donald Hewlett and Michael Knowles (It Ain't Half Hot Mum) as Charles and George, with a veteran cast including Norma Ronald (The Men from the Ministry) and Dilys Laye (Carry on Camping). 
 
NB: Contains some dated language and attitudes 
 
Production credits 
Written by Wally K. Daly 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Theme music by Jim Parker 
 
Cast 
Charles - Donald Hewlett 
George - Michael Knowles 
Hilary - Norma Ronald 
GJ - Tony Anholt 
Futuristics Manager - David Ryall 
Billy - Michael Bilton 
Harry the Publican - Colin Starkey 
Mr Rollings - Jon Glover 
Ticket Collector - Renu Setna 
Black Market Job Salesman - Ron Pember 
Waitress - Sonia Fraser 
Publican - Douglas Blackwell 
Isabel - Madeline Smith 
Little Willy - Stephen Greif 
Simon - Elizabeth Proud 
Miss Folliate - Frances Jeater 
Belinda Bustrom - Sherrie Hewson 
Job Applicant - Helena Breck 
Fiona Fenning - Jennifer Croxton 
Course Chairman/Ghost- Henry Stamper 
Advertising Lecturer - John Kane 
Finance Lecturer - Peter Cellier 
Mr Hunter - Roland MacLeod 
Marjorie - Dilys Laye 
Nanny - Marjorie Withers 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 12 November 1984-7 January 1985 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

6th Doctor Novelisation

Doctor Who: The Ultimate Evil

A novelisation of a 'lost' TV story featuring the Sixth Doctor and Peri.

Wally K Daly was an award-winning dramatist who penned numerous plays for BBC Radio across a range of genres.

John Fletcher

Adam Thorpe

Philippa Gregory

Wally K. Daly

Sara Maitland

John Nettles

Michael Tudor Barnes

Carolyn Backhouse

Norman Rodway

Peter Meakin

Tamsin Grieg

Melvyn Bragg

Stephen Knight

James Frain

John Sessions

Imelda Staunton

Anna Massey

Full Cast

Drama, discussion and storytelling about the legendary heroic outlaw

An epic full-cast play about Robin Hood, plus an episode of In Our Time setting him in his historical context and four dramatic interpretations of his story 
 
Robin Hood has captured the English imagination for centuries. His tale has been told in ballads, novels, plays, TV shows and films – and with each retelling, it has evolved and transformed. We know Robin today as a forest-dwelling outlaw who led a gang of merry men, loved the beautiful Maid Marian and stole from the rich to give to the poor. But there are many facets to this folkloric hero, as this collection reveals. Featuring drama, documentary and monologue, it blends fiction with fact to take a thrilling, immersive look at the man and the myth. 
 
The Legend of Robin Hood – Deep in England’s great Greenwood, a hooded master bowman and his band of faithful companions live outside the law, fighting to right wrongs and defend poor Saxon peasants against their cruel Norman lords... John Fletcher’s action-packed play draws on the original medieval ballads to chart Robin Hood’s adventures, from May Day revels in Sherwood Forest to crusading battles in the Holy Land and life-or-death struggles with sinister enemies. Starring John Nettles as Robin, with Gerry Hinks as Little John, Michael Tudor Barnes as Friar Tuck, Carolyn Backhouse as Maid Marian, Norman Rodway as the Sherriff, Peter Meakin as Will Scarlett and Tamsin Grieg as Alice. 
 
In Our Time: Robin Hood – Melvyn Bragg and guests Stephen Knight, Thomas Hahn and Juliette Wood discuss the malleable myth of this most iconic of outlaws, asking why his story has gone through so many changes and where the truth really lies. Was Robin a yeoman, an aristocrat, an anarchist – or the figment of a collective imagination? 
 
The Adventures of Robin Hood – In this quartet of tales, told from the points of view of four key characters and performed by distinguished actors, we learn how young Robin became an outlaw; how Friar Tuck’s outrage over the King and the Crusades led him to turn renegade, how a prioress’s greed led to her attempt to seize Robin’s land, and how love changed the course of Maid Marian’s life. Included are ‘Robin Hood’s Story’ by Adam Thorpe (read by James Frain), ‘Friar Tuck’s Story’ by Philippa Gregory (read by John Sessions), ‘The Prioress’s Story’ by Wally K Daly (read by Imelda Staunton) and ‘Maid Marian’s Story’ by Sara Maitland (read by Anna Massey). 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wally K. Daly

Books by Wally K. Daly

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