A series of dramas on BBC Radio 4, beginning 13 May, will explore turning points in history, illuminating a variety of political, scientific and cultural moments which have shaped the UK today. From the first IVF baby to the Sex Pistols obscenity trial and the downfall of Margaret Thatcher, these dramas will examine the events, personalities and relationships behind the headlines.

Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction, Alison Hindell, said: ‘Drama has a unique ability to cast new light on the world around us, and I hope Radio 4 listeners will find these stories illuminating. Through drama, we can experience stories from within, rather than observing from a distance – and that’s what makes these fresh takes on historical turning points so fascinating. The BBC has been at the forefront of audio drama for the past 100 years, and I’m proud to continue that tradition of championing new and original writing with these commissions.’

Turning Point commissions include:

First of Millions

Saturday 13 May 2023, 15:00

Inspired by true events, playwright Ryan Craig tells the story behind the pioneering science that led to the birth of the first IVF baby. Two maverick scientists, played by Vincent Franklin (Happy Valley, The Thick of It) and Pip Torrens (The Crown, Poldark) come into conflict with the establishment as their ground-breaking research makes IVF births a reality. A BBC Audio Drama - London production for Radio 4.

Wasps in a Jam Jar

Saturday 10 June 2023, 15:00

Geoffrey Howe’s 1990 resignation speech meant the end of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership and carved battle lines within the Conservative Party, splitting the party over Europe to the present day. This comedy drama tells the story of Elspeth Howe, Geoffrey’s wife, whose feminist views put her at odds with Thatcher, in a rivalry which would ultimately lead to her husband’s resignation and have a lasting impact on UK politics. Stars Penelope Wilton (Downton Abbey, Doctor Who) as Elspeth and Harriet Walter (Sense and Sensibility, The Young Victoria) as Thatcher. Written by Jonathan Maitland and produced by BBC Audio Drama – North for Radio 4.

A Ghastly Mistake

Saturday 1 July 2023, 15:00

In 1965, Lord Sempill of Craigievar died, prompting a court case which would prove to be a turning point in LGBTQ history. Lord Sempill’s son, Ewan, had been born as Elizabeth, but with the support of his mother, had grown up as a boy and changed his birth certificate. By the time of his father’s death, Ewan was living as a man, meaning he would inherit his father’s estate – until his cousin, John, made a counter-claim on the grounds that Ewan had not been born male.

Drawing on Ewan’s autobiography, as well as press reports from the time, this drama explores the court case, telling the story of a man who was intent on living a quiet life as a GP and a farmer, but was simultaneously resolute about affirming his identity, the validity of his marriage, and his family reputation through the confirmation of his inherited title. Written by Nicholas McInerny, produced by International Arts Partnership for BBC Radio 4.

Casting TBA

Beyond the Fringe

Saturday 5 August 2023, 15:00

In 1961, Beyond the Fringe not only transformed the style of British comedy, lighting the fuse of the satire boom, it also fired a broadside at The Establishment and sent a blast of fresh air through the fusty corridors of power. Before the Beatles made the 60s swing, the Fab Four of comedy, Bennett, Cook, Miller and Moore opened the door to social change through their iconic comedy. This drama takes listeners behind the scenes, examining what made Beyond the Fringe so significant. Written by Jeremy Front and produced by BBC Audio Drama – London for Radio 4.

Casting TBA

Never Mind the Ballocks

Saturday 7 October 2023, 15:00

Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers) is John Lydon, AKA Johnny Rotten, and Alistair McGowan (The Big Impression) is John Mortimer QC, in this drama about the notorious Sex Pistols obscenity trial, which questioned public attitudes towards "bad language". Written by Michael Eaton and produced by Perfectly Normal Productions for BBC Radio 4.

The Fall

Saturday 4 November 2023, 15:00

The extraordinary story of the mistake that caused the fall of the Berlin Wall. At a routine press conference on November 9, 1989, an East German spokesperson, Günter Schabowski, was handed an announcement about relaxed travel regulations for the people of East Germany. He mistakenly announced that the checkpoints in the Berlin Wall — which up until then were guarded by soldiers with orders to shoot anyone trying to cross — were now open. They weren’t, but that announcement was all East Berliners needed to storm the Wall and demand they be allowed to cross into West Berlin. This is a story of misguided good men doing their best, evil men doing their worst and an incompetent bureaucrat who accidentally changes the world. Written by Clara Glynn and produced by BBC Scotland for Radio 4.

Casting TBA

First Folio

Saturday 11 November 2023, 15:00

A comedy-drama to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the 'definitive' work that made Shakespeare's reputation. Writer Mike Harris imagines the process of publishing the First Folio. Produced by Brill Productions for BBC Radio 4.

Casting TBA

Mae West

Saturday 2 December 2023, 15:00

60 years before Madonna, Mae West paved the way by redefining sexuality and success for women of her generation. In 1927, she was arrested for performing a scandalous play – and chose to go to jail rather than make an apology. It was a decision which made her a superstar and would lead to a career in which she successfully challenged the social and economic constraints faced by women, galvanising change. Written by Tracy-Ann Oberman, who also plays Mae, and produced by CPL Productions for BBC Radio 4.

This Is For Everyone

Saturday 6 January 2024, 15:00

In late 1990, Tim Berners-Lee is preparing to turn his proposal for a World Wide Web into actuality, at the same moment a recently married couple discover they’re pregnant. On 6th August 1991, their baby is born – just as the first Web page goes live. This drama, written by Matthew Broughton, tells the story of the Web and its impact on an ordinary family, exploring the way the Web enables, influences and endangers them over thirty years. Produced by BBC Audio Drama – London for Radio 4.

Casting TBA

Southall Uprising

Saturday 10 February 2024, 15:00

Based on the true events in Southall, West London on St George's Day, 1979. When the National Front decided to hold a rally in Southall, the local community rose up in protest. The violence that followed would prove to be a turning point in the emergence of an increasingly multicultural UK.

This drama, recorded on location in Southall, follows the stories of real individuals involved, including playwright Satinder Chohan’s uncle, who was an activist involved in the protest. Produced by BBC Audio Drama – North for Radio 4.

Casting TBA