THE PAPER ROSE

PERCY GIVES NOTES

Strada Drama: PERCY GIVES NOTES Percy Wynn, a rather camp, effeminate and flamboyantly enthusiastic individual, was once an assistant stage manager with the Ipswich and Suffolk Dramatic Society, but due to an unfortunate ‘personal’ incident, he felt it best to leave and move to pastures new. He is now based in Burley in Wharfedale, a West Yorkshire village between Otley and Ilkley in Yorkshire, where he runs the Ilkley Moor Bar Tat Amateur Dramatic Society. Unfortunately 99.9% of the locals have no thespian background whatsoever, far less anything even remotely resembling acting talent, but Percy is determined that they will press on regardless to mount a stirring version of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. Following what could only be vaguely described as a rehearsal, Percy gathers together his troupe and verbally enunciates his director’s ‘notes’ i.e. comments, recommendations and advice to the individuals within the gathered ensemble. Written and Performed by THOM MCKEOWN Strada Drama for Audio © 2024/2026

THE PAPER ROSE

Strada Drama: THE PAPER ROSE A now-single man is still attempting to come to terms with his emotions, as his girlfriend has left and ended their relationship. In an effort to console himself, he's been playing maudlin country and western music in his flat. One evening, he notices a postcard has landed on the floor underneath the letter box - and therein begins a major and life-changing new chapter in his life. with NOEL FRANSON and MAGGIE JOYCE-ANDERSON Written Directed and Produced by Thom McKeown © Strada Drama 2026

RETRIBUTION

Strada Drama presents: RETRIBUTION Set in the latter years of the 1970s, a brutal murder has been perpetrated against a black man in Yorkhire, England. Upon a tip-off, the police have arrested, under dubious and highly unorthodox methods, a young man, Michael Gallagher, on suspicion of having committed this heinous crime, which they believe was racially motivated. A veteran Detective Sergeant, John Pearce, begins an interrogation of the alleged culprit. What he will hear from the suspect proves to be extremely shocking. • Please be aware that this drama contains extreme content and language which may prove to be offensive to listeners of a sensitive disposition. Cast: Andrew Martin and Noel Franson Written and Directed by Thom McKeown - abridged and adapted from his acclaimed stage and digital film production 'Blind Eye' © Strada/TM 2015-2026

A NIGHT IN

Strada Drama: A NIGHT IN Ireland – in a small location named Braniel on the south-east corner of Belfast - during the Covid pandemic. Married couple (Irish) Liam Flanagan and  his English wife Beccy, are in mid-disagreement about dinner, amongst several other things. Unfortunately due to the then Covid pandemic, they're unable to go out for a romantic meal, so Liam has suggested they instead order and eat a home delivery meal. However, irascible, Ill-tempered Bridget can’t decide what to do, what outfit to wear, nor if or when she finally decides, what to eat. The atmosphere intensifies as bickering increases and animosities rise to the surface. Cast: PENNI WEBB as Beccy   THOM MCKEOWN as Liam Written Edited and Directed by Thom McKeown © 2015/2026

THE FUNERAL

Strada Drama: THE FUNERAL A slightly camp funeral director/undertaker sits with a lower-working class Glasgow husband and his aspirational wife (who has delusions of a middle class existence) at the dining table of their home. The husband has a gruff, working-class Glasgow accent. The wife's father has passed away and the three are gathered together to discuss the arrangements. NOEL FRANSON as The Undertaker MAGGIE JOYCE as The Wife THOM MCKEOWN as The Husband Written Directed and Edited by Thom McKeown Strada Drama © 2025