The jury found this a compelling drama, beautifully written, performed and produced. The imaginatively compiled script, using the diaries, letters and memories of those who had been present at the actual events described, moved the listener through time and space with both certainty and subtlety. The use of a single voice was ambitious and the superlative performance from Sigourney Weaver had range, depth and emotional resonance. While this drama told of unbearable events which happened over thirty years ago in Vietnam the listener was also drawn to the unvoiced context of the war in Iraq.
The jury thought this adaptation by David Nobbs had energy, immediacy and comic inventiveness. A superb script was complemented by terrific acting from a great cast, many of whom came from television but sounded completely at home on radio. The production conveyed a sense of audio cartoon with verve and confidence and a real sense of fun.
Last Loves wove real life stories and specially written and recorded songs into a moving and innovative drama. The subject of dementia was handled with an insight, wit, humour and sensitivity rarely found in either drama or factual programmes. There were strong performances, especially the central performance from Richard Wilson.
This was a clever and ambitious play which drew on psychoanalysis, history, memory and fantasy and drew the listener into the worlds of both London in the 80s and Germany in the 30s with a fine script and two strong performances.
The jury was impressed at how this production translated a famous and complex book into a superb piece of radio with an intelligent and imaginative script, fine performances and beautifully crafted production.