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Suffolk radio history preserved through new play by visually impaired actors

Oral histories from Radio Orwell 257 have inspired "Living On Air", a new production featuring twelve actors living with sight loss.

The big picture: Suffolk-based performing arts company Cohere Arts has developed the play through its visually impaired drama company High Spirits, following research conducted with Suffolk Archives.

Living on Air
Cohere Arts
Living on Air

The details: Living On Air draws audiences into the world of Radio Bardwell, a fictitious local radio station serving the Suffolk community, described as "an absurd romp through local radio and the sexual politics of the 1970s".

Behind the scenes: Last year, the cast collected oral histories through community story-collecting events at Ipswich venues, capturing recollections from former listeners, presenters and employees of Radio Orwell 257.

What they're saying: Emma Bernard, writer and director of Living On Air, reflected: "The 1970s was an exciting era for local radio, and it has been so wonderful to be able to draw on people's experiences of Ipswich's beloved Radio Orwell when making this play. However, any similarities with our Radio Bardwell are purely coincidental!"

For your diary: Performances will be held at the Sir John Mills Theatre in Ipswich from Saturday, 12 April to Sunday, 13 April.

Accessibility focus: All performances will be fully accessible, with BSL interpretation and integrated audio description.

The background: The play was developed with funding from Arts Council England and The National Heritage Lottery Fund, with support from New Wolsey Theatre and Eastern Angles.

The bottom line: "Living On Air" offers a unique opportunity to experience local history through inclusive theatre, with tickets available at easternangles.co.uk/event/living-on-air.

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Lanman Solar, Kingsfleet and Ipswich Sports Club

The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Mark Petchey giving a coaching masterclass at Ipswich Sports Club

Ipswich Sports Club

Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.
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Lanman Solar, Kingsfleet and Ipswich Sports Club

The Lanman Group

Lanman Solar

Lanman Solar is an award-winning, fully MCS-accredited sustainable energy company with a 5-star rating on Google. From its offices in Suffolk, it serves businesses and homes across East Anglia.
The Kingsfleet team outside their offices in Claydon, near Ipswich

Spend your time and money as you wish

Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.
Mark Petchey giving a coaching masterclass at Ipswich Sports Club

Ipswich Sports Club

Ipswich Sports Club is one of Suffolk’s leading independent, competitive racket sports and hockey clubs, with a rich history spanning over a century.
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