Who could have known that an explosion in a Welsh coal mine in 1924 was still having effects today?

In January 1924, the BBC broadcast one of their first original radio dramas, written by Richard Hughes. The groundwork for radio drama at the BBC had already been laid previously by figures such as Phyllis M Twigg, but it was Danger (as it is usually known) that captured public imagination.

In 2024, a recreation of this play was performed with live sound effects at the National Library of Wales in an event called ‘Danger 1924/2024’. Dell Studios Productions' Lead Producer and Creative Director, Rhys Dell, was part of this event, performing the role of Jack.

He said: "Ever since we performed Danger live back in 2024, I've been itching to produce a recorded version of the play, a modern version. Something about Hughes' script really stuck with me, and being such a big part of audio drama history, I felt like it needed to be more accessible! It's something I've mentioned doing to quite a few people. When I found my script from the event whilst having a clear out earlier this year, I decided that it was finally time to put my money where my mouth was and actually do it!"

Dell Studios Productions' recreation of the drama features Sam Gale and Antoinette Novak as touring couple Jack and Mary, and Graham Crabb as the irascible Mr. Bax. It also features a recording of the hymn Aberystwyth, as performed by the Morriston Orpheus Choir. The production will also be released in a "vintage" edition, where it has been re-edited in a way that evokes old radio recordings, including vinyl crackle amd light distortion. Both versions of the drama will be made available simultaneously, with audiences able to choose between them dependant on their preference.

A Comedy of Danger is due for release on 31st October 2026.

You can read more about the history of the play here.