Wandsworth is set to hit the airwaves with its very own radio soap opera, The Wandsworth Way, launching this summer as part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025.
Produced by award-winning broadcaster Riverside Radio in collaboration with Theatre503, The Wandsworth Way is a 40-part weekly drama series written by James Fritz alongside 30 emerging local writers.
Set across the borough, the series follows the story of Tash Defoe, a world-famous author returning to Wandsworth, and Mike Hardy, a proud local cabbie. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways as they journey through the borough and explore the meaning of home.
The first episode airs on Sunday 29th June at 5pm on Riverside Radio, with new episodes every Sunday until April 2026. Listeners can tune in via riversideradio.com, DAB Digital Radio, smart speakers, the Riverside Radio app, and podcast platforms.
James Fritz, the Audio and Radio Industry Award-winning playwright behind the project, said:
“I’m thrilled to be working on this ambitious and necessary project, and to be given the chance to work with so many brilliant Wandsworth writers on telling a new, epic story about their area. It’s going to be a lot of fun!”
The project also serves as a training programme, offering local residents hands-on experience in writing, acting, and radio production.
Cllr Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, said:
“I’m so excited that Wandsworth is getting its very own radio soap opera. It’s the perfect way to hear local voices and experiences, celebrate the people of Wandsworth and reflect the themes of culture, wellbeing and community at the heart of our year as London Borough of Culture. I can’t wait to listen!”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, added:
“Wandsworth’s very own radio soap is set to become a must-listen every week and is a great way to celebrate local talent. It’s an inspiring addition to Wandsworth’s year of events as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Jason Rosam, Managing Director of Riverside Radio, shared his excitement:
“I still can’t quite believe we’re actually doing this! When Wandsworth Council approached us to ask how Riverside Radio could contribute to the London Borough of Culture, I wanted to think big and the idea of a radio soap opera for Wandsworth popped straight into my head. Something like The Archers, but rooted right here in our borough, with local voices and local stories. It’s been a dream of mine to create something like this for years, and the fact that it’s coming to life with such incredible support is genuinely thrilling. I can’t wait for everyone to hear The Wandsworth Way!”
Emily Carewe, Executive Director & Co-CEO of Theatre503, said:
“Theatre503 is thrilled to be partnering with Riverside Radio and the Council on The Wandsworth Way. A project with creative development at its core, the opportunity to meet and work with an incredible pool of writers, performers and directors across the Wandsworth borough connects to everything Theatre503 believes in. We can’t wait to share the stories of Wandsworth that will be told through this soap opera, and to be part of the incredible London Borough of Culture year that’s in store.”
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
