New podcast Ecstasy: The Battle Of Rave coming to BBC Sounds and 5 Live

A new 12 part podcast for BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, Ecstasy: The Battle Of Rave is to be released in full on Friday 11 September.

The series will include six factual episodes presented by Chris Warburton, featuring candid contributors including Shaun Ryder and Graeme Park, and five dramatic episodes written by BAFTA award-winning screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst. The podcast charts a captivating story from the ‘87-‘91 rave scene.

The story is based around the emergence of ecstasy into the UK, from the first pills hitting Britain, to how the first illegal raves would lead to a long-forgotten mass arrest, sealing the fate of the first Acid House era.

In the six factual episodes, Chris Warburton introduces ordinary people whose lives changed because of their contact with ecstasy.

It includes how the pioneers of the early rave scene became entangled in violence and put under surveillance by police, how the first dealers made the pills in Amsterdam, how the first ecstasy deaths tore friends apart and how the Acid House era succumbed to darkness.

Danny Brocklehurst’s five dramatic episodes are set it warehouses, clubs and on the street. There are monologues from characters who reminisce with nostalgia and regret about an unforgettable period in their lives.

The characters are the raver played by Meera Syal, the dealer played by Ian Hart, the DJ played by Monica Dolan, the promoter played by Ade Edmondson and the undercover cop played by David Morrissey.

The music for the podcasts will include classic tracks of the time such as early Chicago and Acid House, plus key tracks of the British scene.

Danny Brocklehurst said: “The story of how ecstasy changed crime, policing and youth culture in Britain in the ’80s has been one that I have wanted to tell for a long time.

“It’s an epic battle and speaks about issues larger than a single drug. The monologues are based on meticulous research and lived experience and brought beautifully to life by our amazing cast.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with BBC Sounds, 5 Live and Chris Warburton on this unique collaboration.”

Chris Warburton said: “Working on this podcast and speaking to people at the heart of such a transformational moment in our culture, has been an unforgettable experience.

“The ravers, drug barons, DJs, and many other characters I met have helped tell a unique story from that time.

“I know listeners will love the unforgettable soundtrack, curated by house music pioneer, Graeme Park, too. It has also been a huge privilege and thrill to collaborate with a talent like Danny Brocklehurst, one of the country’s leading screenwriters.”

Ecstasy: The Battle Of Rave will be available in full on BBC Sounds from Friday 11 September.

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