The Pod Play

When HR exec Jacqueline Forte finds herself standing in as COO of recently merged US/UK startup Transcendence, which creates life-like robotic men, curated to be the perfect mates for the women’s self-fulfillment space, she finds herself challenged on all sides when an Indian soft-toy entrepreneur sweeps in to buy the company.   Written by Holly Hudson and Pamela Schott   Starring Holly Hudson, Christophe Guybet, Sushil Chudasama, Caren Gunderson, Megan Keaveny, Jack Waldouck, Sean Chriscole, Timothy Huls, Lisa Whiteside and Kerry Ogden. Music by Susan Lockwood.   Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When HR exec Jacqueline Forte finds herself standing in as COO of recently merged US/UK startup Transcendence, which creates life-like robotic men, curated to be the perfect mates for the women’s self-fulfillment space, she finds herself challenged on all sides when an Indian soft-toy entrepreneur sweeps in to buy the company.   Written by Holly Hudson and Pamela Schott   Starring Holly Hudson, Christophe Guybet, Sushil Chudasama, Caren Gunderson, Megan Keaveny, Jack Waldouck, Sean Chriscole, Timothy Huls, Lisa Whiteside and Kerry Ogden. Music by Susan Lockwood.   Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A tale of two carers who find solace in singing with a choir. Grace is conflicted. Should she claw out time for herself at choir practice or help her distressed son? Mary needs Grace in the choir, without her there’s no chance they’ll win the prize money they need to keep the choir going. Starring Jennifer Banks & Julie Edwards Written by Jennifer Banks Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s June 1976 and a group called The Sex Pistols are playing a gig at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester. The group are just starting out and everyone is talking about them and their style of music, ‘Punk Rock’ they are calling it, and Derek wants to be a part of it… It won’t be easy but he’s just got to get fifty pence for his ticket, coz if there's going to be Anarchy In The UK then he wants to be part of it, and like Jonny Rotten says he’s got ‘No Future’ plus anyone who’s anyone is going to be there… Starring Will Bee, Sophie Simpson, Joanne Venet and Steve Cain. Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At Samaritans, they call it compassion fatigue. When you've climbed into that hole, shared that load, walked in those shoes one too many times then realise you don't care anymore. Beth thinks she doesn't, but there's one caller out there who needs her and no one else will do. Starring Natalie Jones, Christopher Everett, Jess Gough and Lee Petcher. Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early 70's Elvis Presley returns from thirteen years of concentrating on movie roles to perform his "Summer Festival" run of shows in Las Vegas. What if.. His reinvigorated love for live performance sees him embark on a European tour, eventually bringing him to Manchester in the North of England. A million miles away from the fakery of Vegas and the cauldron like atmosphere he has to deal with in the States.  A chance for Elvis to perform to a new audience, enjoy new experiences and answer questions from a DJ at a fledgling local Manchester radio station. Starring Liam Francis Collins and Jack Wood. Based on an original idea by Liam Francis Collins. Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes a gym can mean more than just a place to workout. It can be a place of camaraderie, confusion, connection AND conflict. ‘Gym junkies’…a comedy that brings all of these in abundance, but with personal trainer/manager Carl at the helm, what can go wrong?!? Starring Liam fox, Lisa Moore, Kerry Ogden, Marcus Christopherson and Lisa Whiteside  Written by Lisa Whiteside Produced and Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Early afternoon, a semi-derelict warehouse on the outskirts of a large Northern City.  "The Banker" is tied to a chair. He's naked, a mass of congealed blood, bruises and sweat, the result of a sustained beating from two masked men who have remained silent throughout. His eyes slowly focus on the man now stood in front of him.  This man isn't wearing a mask.  He takes "The Bankers" phone out of his own pocket and begins to make a call. He puts it on speaker..... Starring Oliver Devoti, Luke Richards, Emma Eckton and Bill Blackwood. Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A guilt-ridden mother looks back on the tragedy of her life and the devastating repercussions of her unspeakable actions. Starring Emma Eckton Written and Directed by Phil Pearson Produced by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the last orders bell rings for the Acid House generation, Jamie and Scott are reluctant to let it go. Another night out ends up back at Rob’s where the three friends come to realise that nostalgia isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as somethings are better left in that loved-up past. Starring Keaton Lansley, Jack Wagman, Alex Townson & Mark Jackson Written by Mark Jackson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Listeners are advised: Contains conversations about drugs use and The Hacienda Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The story of the Pioneers of Cross Culture love, in terms of white women falling in love with black men in the 50/60s..and the difficulties they faced from society, family and friends and the product of their liaisons..Coffee Coloured Kids.. Listeners are advised This piece consists of strong language. In order to keep the piece authentic, the writer has insisted in keeping with the rhetoric of that time... Starring Trevor Dwyer-Lynch and Julia Haworth Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Men of a certain age will generally talk about anything else rather than about their mental health.  Ben and Pete are no different.. Two middle aged mates on their first fishing trip without their friend Marko, whose recent, totally unexpected death was a huge shock to them both. Even the crazy stories, dark humour and piss taking can't stop them opening up in a way they never expected.  Trigger: Suicide Starring Steve Connolly, Chris Allen and Colin Titley. Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An unexpected visitor leads to a life-changing dilemma in this dark, twisting tale. Starring Steve Cain, Lisa Whiteside and Natalie Ciufo Written by Richard Hearn Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlie didn’t have a ordinary death…in fact it was rather embarrassing for Mary, especially when she had to dial 999 and ask for assistance.. Time for Mary to face the music.. Starring Julie Edwards & Kerry Willison-Parry Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A table of passengers aboard the 22:00 London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly train discover what really matters in life when their train is derailed in this ultimately feel good Christmas drama. Starring Erin Shanagher, Michael Starke, Trevor Dwyer Lynch, Robert Beck, Lucy Brennan, Zoe Iqbal and Olivia Thomson.. Written by Julia Haworth Directed by Paul Ludden Trigger Warning: Suicide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

William (Billy) Livesey is a veteran who is now living in a care home. Suffering with dementia and not being treated well by some an act of kindness allows Billy a few moments of lucidity, taking him back to the life changing incident which took place in the final hours of the battle for Wireless Ridge in the Falklands War of 1982. Everyone has a history. William (Billy) Livesey: Daniel Jillings Lisa: Anna Jobarteh Glenys: Lisa Whiteside Stu: Ryan Clayton Captain Randall: Ryan Clayton Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Siblings plot over a secret family heirloom in this dark comedy set after a funeral. Starring Caroline Chesworth and Sean Chriscole. Written by Richard Hearn. Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff is divorced and is taking his first steps back into dating. Getting back on the bus he calls it. Much to the surprise of his son Nick, Jeff has met someone and has invited her home for a meal. He hopes his lad can give him a few tips on modern day romance.. Starring Phil Chadwick & Sean Radford Written by Paul Daley Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nellie has always been the person who keeps the family together, the matriarch, Salford born and bred. A Wife, Mam & Gran..Diagnosed with Alzheimer's and becoming the victim of a cowardly bulglary contribute towards a sharp decline in Nellie's health and her ability to look after herself. Her family have to make tough decisions in order to keep her safe. Starring Lynn Roden, Cathy Crabb, Elizabeth Poole, Steve Evets, Justin Moorhouse and David Scott. Written by Trevor Dwyer-Lynch Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thirtysomething Louise Robson had everything she always wanted. Married to the boy she fell in love with, living in the house they had 'done-up' together and spending nights picking out girls' and boys' names.  Then, one five-minute chat with her doctor, changed all that - forever. Everything Louise had dreamed of, hoped for and lived for was over. How could she possibly go on with life as it was? This is Louise's heart-breaking story. Starring Lisa Whiteside Written By Phil Pearson Produced & Directed by Paul Ludden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices