Balls
When Ella’s ADHD burnout prompts school refusal, her mum Ceri has to confront her own experiences. Siân Owen’s play on motherhood, neurodiversity and football stars Sophie Melville
Ella’s got ADHD burnout, has walked out of her summer exams, and now won’t leave her room. Through the door her mum Ceri can hear her listening to endless football podcasts, playing FIFA, devouring anything about the Women’s Euros.
As Ceri tries to support, she struggles to hold things together herself. Might football offer a way to help them through?
Writer... Siân Owen
Ceri... Sophie Melville
Ella... Mia Khan
Lou... Bethan-Mary James
Cass... Nadia Wyn Abouayen
Betsan... Melanie Walters
Mr Gittens/ Steve... Matthew Gravelle
Gail... Maggie Service
Sound Design... Nigel Lewis
Production Co-Ordinator... Lindsay Rees
Directed and produced by Fay Lomas, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Audio Drama Wales
On radio
Broadcast
- Wed 20 Aug 2025 14:15ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
The Shakespeare Sessions
Immerse yourself in Shakespeare’s world