Regifted

By Martin Jameson
First broadcast – 25/12/25  14:15h UK time
BBC Radio 4

A magical Christmas tale of unwanted talking gifts and lonely humans in search of connection.

Who doesn’t keep a shelf somewhere stacked with discarded Christmas presents? Books you never asked for; boardgames you’ll never play; ornamental tat you´ll never display; and the inevitable scented candle. Their only purpose: to be rewrapped and regifted in order to satisfy the honour code of meaningless gift exchange.

Una has just turned forty and faces another Christmas alone. Another token gift from colleagues at work reminds her of just how lonely she is.

Cardy is a Cardamon, Cider and Toasted Pumpkin scented candle whose dream of taking pride of place by a luxurious foam bath comes crashing down when she finds herself thrown into the cupboard under Una’s stairs with the other rejects – an embittered rival candle, a cheeseboard, a Karl Marx novelty lighter, a bottle of limoncello, an outdated CD and a pack of tealights.

As Cardy changes hands, all is not lost – though with each regifting, the candle’s hopes, just like the notes of her complex scent, are fading fast. And with them, Una’s hopes of ever finding friendship and connection.

Part social satire, part festive fable, Regifted is a bittersweet, comic tale of loneliness, community and hope in the season of giving.

The Spirit of Christmas ….. Cyril Nri
Two-Piece and Cheeseboard ….. Kate Harbour
Una and Cardamon ….. Jessica Dennis
Limoncello and Amy ….. Clare Corbett
Leather and Mr Two-Piece ….. Ben Crowe
Honest John and Now ….. Will Howard
Rob ….. Jesse Fox

Other voices are played by the cast

Executive producer ….. Sara Davies
Sound design ….. Adam Woodhams

Directed and produced by Nicolas Jackson,

An Afonica production for BBC Radio 4.