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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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Ipswich School, Kingsfleet and Menopause Vitamin Company

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.
Melissa Neisler Dickinson of the Menopause Vitamin Company

Menopause Vitamin Company

From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
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Ensors expands Ipswich office amid recruitment drive

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Ipswich School, Kingsfleet and Menopause Vitamin Company

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.
Melissa Neisler Dickinson of the Menopause Vitamin Company

Menopause Vitamin Company

From its base in Ipswich, the Menopause Vitamin Company creates science-backed, all-in-one supplements that help women maintain their vitality and confidence during perimenopause and menopause.
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500 students try CPR and VR at Ipswich NHS careers fair

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Man charged with eight offences after Burrell Road hit-and-run

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