 Most of playwright Caryl Churchill's early experiences with professional drama production were as a radio playwright and, starting in 1962 with "The Ants", she wrote nine productions with BBC radio drama up until 1973, when her stage work began to be recognised at the Royal Court Theatre.Joe Orton's dramatic debut in 1963 was the radio play "The Ruffian on the Stair", which was broadcast on 31 August 1964.Tom Stoppard's "first professional production was in the 15-minute "Just Before Midnight" programme on BBC Radio, which showcased new dramatists".