New radio play uncovers Sidmouth's hidden heritage

Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub, organisers of Sidmouth Sea Fest, are delighted to have been awarded funds from the Sid Vale Association to support their latest cultural heritage project.

The play was co-written by Pippa Marriott and David Lloyd, who live in Sidmouth, for Sea Fest 2019. It explores the life of Sidmouth's author and social commentator Stephen Reynolds.

The story was brought to life by a community ensemble at the festival to tie in with its theme of celebrating diversity, and told - with humour, song and personal testimony - Reynolds's moving story. Some of the original cast and some new young faces from Sidmouth College and primary school are set to record the play which has been re-written for radio.

This diversity in the cast will reflect the age and soundscapes that would have been part of Stephen's life with the Woolleys in Sidmouth.

Reynolds' life, his experience of life with the Sidmouth fishing family the Woolleys and his later influence on the fishing industry are extraordinary and Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub are committed to sharing this important local heritage tale.

Reynolds' book "A Poor Man's House" was published in 1908 and was based on his life in Sidmouth. At the time it was acclaimed and praised by the likes of Joseph Conrad, but is not particularly well known locally. His personal struggle with his family, his sexuality at a time of intolerance, his reflections on social class and inequality are often overlooked.

A comment from a theatre director in the audience at Sea Fest last year that it could lend itself well to radio play format sparked the idea. The seed was planted and the idea is now to be realised with the help of the Sid Vale Association.

"The funding SVA have given enables us to bring in specialists with the recording and editing skills and equipment and experience of making and broadcasting radio plays," said Louise Cole, Director of Sidmouth Coastal Community Hub.

"We are excited to be working with 'Ear, Knows and Throat' at Exeter Phoenix Arts Centre – where the recording will take place in their studio."

The play will be broadcast at Sea Fest in May as part of an audio installation. Sidmouth Sea Fest is a free coastal community one day festival that takes place annually.

This vibrant collaborative festival is aimed at people of all ages to connect the community with everything in, on and by the sea.

Through bringing together local music, groups, food, entertainment, arts and crafts and a focus on how we can act together to value our coast, the festival provides a fun and welcoming opportunity for people to come together and celebrate our unique coastal location.

This year Sidmouth Sea Fest will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 10am until 11pm, Port Royal, Sidmouth.

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