What makes a good radio drama?

After my textual analysis of several existing radio dramas, I have been thinking about the ingredients of a successful radio drama. There is, of course, no magic formula (I wish there was!) but here are my thoughts, which are entirely subjective.

First, a radio drama must be just that: a drama. This may seem an obvious thing to point out but unless it has twists and turns, emotion, ups and downs, it won't effect the audience in a memorable way.

Secondly, it has to be targeted at the right audience. Therefore one of the next things I will be doing is my audience research. Because radio is such a personal medium, you have to know your audience before you can speak to them in a way that resonates with their lives. The station that broadcasts a radio play is also important to reach the correct audience.

Thirdly, it must be simple. Simple does not have to mean boring - just easy to follow.

Fourthly, it must reflect real life. That doesn't mean that terrible things can't or won't happen! The main area the drama must reflect real life is in the dialogue. The dialogue has to be how that type of character would speak in real life. One of the things I realised listening to other dramas is that the listener can join the dialogue part way through the action.