What’s On
Little Gaddesden Drama Club
are proud to present
a full length recording
of
The Heavenly Path
A Radio Play by Patrick Isherwood
The Heavenly Path is a 57 minute radio play, a comedy/thriller which deals with a serious subject that has come to the forefront of public debate.
The play is set in 2030. A coalition government is considering amendments to the Assisted Dying Act that was passed 18 months earlier. The legislation was introduced to give effect to the growing demand for state support for euthanasia following several years of consultations and parliamentary debates. A key element in the legislation has been the creation of so-called Heavenly Gate Centres where people are led gently along the ‘heavenly path’ towards their end. The legislation also provides tax and other incentives for those who opt to end their own life in this way.
Worryingly, there are rumours that further legislation is being considered which will extend the incentive scheme, thereby enabling the Treasury to save money otherwise paid through pensions and other benefits. A small group of disaffected former spooks has learned about this development which they regard as the slippery slope towards cynical widespread state-aided euthanasia that goes far beyond what the public really wants and is morally corrupt. They come up with an audacious plan to scupper the extended legislation, with unexpected consequences.
Patrick Isherwood
Listen now!
CAST (IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE)
Newsreader
BBC Radio 2
Jackie Tannett
Candice Simmonds
Guide at the London Heavenly Gate Centre
Georgia McCarthy
Dave Redmond
Retired IT consultant
Patrick Isherwood
Florence Chaminade
Former Prima Ballerina
Leonie Thompson
Ray
Helper at the Heavenly Gate Centre
Shaun McCarthy
Lennox Nevin MP
Minister for Public Wellbeing
Andrew Sheard
Cait Sheldon MP
Chief Secretary to The Treasury
Katy Miller
Ruth Brearley MP
Acting Health Minister
Jo Howard
Philip Longstaff
Former MI5 Officer
Shaun McCarthy
Duncan McCrae
Former MI6 Officer
Trevor Fernandes
Adam
Security at Houses of Parliament
Benjamin Dawson
Sir Gregor Hope MP
Conservative member for Easthavenwick
Patrick Isherwood
Antonia Lancaster
Chief Superintendent with The Met. Police
Julie McCarthy
Janet Tunnock MP
Labour member for Greater Manchester South
Kathy Fry
Speaker
House of Commons
Trevor Fernandes
Poster for the World Premiere on 15 February 2025:
radio play
‘WIXIT!’ by Trisha Wood, performed by members of Little Gaddesden Drama Club
WIXIT! is the sixth play in the Extraordinary Women series of short radio plays written by Trisha Wood. In it the ladies of Great Titley Women’s Institute bow to pressure from one of their members and decide to hold a referendum on whether to leave the National organization. To the committee’s surprise there is a yes vote (52-48%) which leaves them with some uncomfortable choices.
Listen now!
For those of you who are not familiar with the earlier plays, you can find them here and for a little more information on the formidable characters that make up the committee of this local WI click here.
dates for your diary
monthly play readings
Play readings generally take place once a month. Look for details here, or subscribe to our newsletter and we’ll let you know what’s coming up.