Scratchworks Theatre has toured theatre shows to isolated communities across Devon for many years and the theatre-makers have met many wonderful characters along the way. City-dwellers themselves, Laura, Siân and Alice have always appreciated being welcomed into remote villages to hear stories of love, history, local myth and community spirit.
“We’ve heard some amazing tales from people in villages across Devon. Lockdown has turned everything upside down – we can’t perform in these communities right now – so instead we’re providing a platform to share their stories with the wider world.”
– Laura Doble, Scratchworks Theatre
A ‘The Time Is Now’ commissioned piece, Stories From the Sticks is a podcast that will bring unheard stories from remote villages in the South West. The first episode features Eddy from Dolton, a well-known character who moved to North Devon 37 years ago. A retired plumber, he recalls carnivals, jubilee celebrations, motorbikes, stuffed-dog doorstops and the time Charlie Watts from The Rolling Stones made him a cup of tea.
As Scratchworks say: “Dolton is a no-nonsense ‘get the job done’ kind of place with a cheeky smile you can’t help but find infectious.”
The interviews are interwoven with original music by Jack Dean plus narration and singing in Scratchworks’ signature style giving a distinctly theatrical feel to the podcast.
Listen to the trailer
The first episode will be available on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Deezer and Pocket Casts from 29 June!
The company are also keen to receive creative responses from listeners:
“We’re hoping these podcasts will inspire others to get creative too. People can send in responses in any format – drawings, photos, music, short films – and we’ll share them on the Scratchworks and Exeter Northcott websites.”
Kindly supported by The Noel Coward Foundation.