History is about to misbehave

Journey to a time of darkness and uncertainty with Noah, a thoughtful and resilient soul tasked with the grim duty of digging plague pits.

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York.  Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Step back to the middle ages of Tang Hall and meet Leoric, a brave hunter risking everything to feed his family. Venture into the forests of Tang Hall when everything was still wild...

History Misbehaves is a series of dramatic monologues and these are Tang Hall Stories inspired by the rich histories and stories of Tang Hall. The audio has been co-created by Tang Hall residents, writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine.

Spanning seven centuries, these dramatic monologues feature people living in the Tang Hall area of York.  Meet brave Leoric boar hunting in the forest, philosophising Noah digging plague pits, determined Nan Ball disguising herself to join the Civil War, and the formidable Lady Starkey taking the removal of poachers on her land of Tang Hall into her own hands. Moving from Hungate into the new Tang Hall estate is life-changing for Lenoard, young Rachel huddled in an Anderson shelter recalls witnessing a local tragedy in war-time black-out, whilst there is no chance of peace for Amy as she anxiously awaits her husband to return from working on the trains. Hope glimmers for the future as Marie and her friend Rose wade through the Tang Beck to go post-war dancing in the De Grey Rooms.

History Misbehaves was commissioned by Explore York Libraries and Archives, a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), designated by Arts Council England. The funding recognises Explore’s cultural contribution in creating and promoting artistic experiences, supporting artists, and engaging communities.

Production:

Writer: Paul Birch

Director: Kate Valentine

Sound Editor: Matteo Falco

Production Assistant: Holly Beer

Episodes:

The Beast of Tang Hall – Performed by Kordian Nixon

The End of the World – Performed by Noah Taylor

All the King’s Women – Written and performed by Ann Crosley with additional material by Paul Birch

The Diary of Lady Starkey – Written and performed by Sheelagh Loftus with additional material by Paul Birch

Head Above Water – Written and performed by Ian Breffit with additional material by Paul Birch

Mr Hawley’s Boots – Performed by Eilidh Hitchins, with special thanks to David Poole for research

No Chance of Peace – Performed by Bernie Oxberry, written by Brian Oxbery with additional material by Paul Birch and Bernie Oxberry

All Change – Written and performed by Jennie Hitchins with additional material by Paul Birch

Thanks to David Poole for his research.

Thanks also to Jorvik Radio and volunteers for their assistance with recording Tang Hall Stories.

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Inspired by the history of the City of York’s coaching inns, INNovating is a three-part audio drama that evokes the sounds and stories of these vibrant places of hospitality for travellers in the 1820s, stopping off on their journey along the Great North Road. 

Co-created by community researchers and actors, INNovating is written by Paul Birch and directed by Kate Valentine. The audio drama is a binaural experience, best listened to through headphones.

For more information to to www.innovating.co.uk 

Cast 

Jem – Christie Barnes  

Coachman Tom – Phil Massey 

Mrs Hammerton – Emma Wise 

Parson – Paul Birch 

Dragoon – Charlie Cayzer 

Market Boy – Aaron Birch 

Mr Hammerton – Mark Gowland  

Oyster Seller – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Peter – Paul Birch 

Jane – Livy Potter  

Annie – Julie Speedie 

Mrs Flowers – Heather Carter  

Jake – Mark Gowland 

Production 

Writer – Paul Birch 

Director – Kate Valentine 

Sound Designer – Matteo Falco 

Composer – Cristina Crespo 

Production Assistant – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Production Runner – Charlie Cayzer 

Research  

Sylvia Hogarth 

Peter Hogarth 

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Inspired by the history of the City of York’s coaching inns, INNovating is a three-part audio drama that evokes the sounds and stories of these vibrant places of hospitality for travellers in the 1820s, stopping off on their journey along the Great North Road. 

Co-created by community researchers and actors, INNovating is written by Paul Birch and directed by Kate Valentine. The audio drama is a binaural experience, best listened to through headphones.

For more information to to www.innovating.co.uk 

Cast 

Jem – Christie Barnes  

Coachman Tom – Phil Massey 

Mrs Hammerton – Emma Wise 

Parson – Paul Birch 

Dragoon – Charlie Cayzer 

Market Boy – Aaron Birch 

Mr Hammerton – Mark Gowland  

Oyster Seller – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Peter – Paul Birch 

Jane – Livy Potter  

Annie – Julie Speedie 

Mrs Flowers – Heather Carter  

Jake – Mark Gowland 

Production 

Writer – Paul Birch 

Director – Kate Valentine 

Sound Designer – Matteo Falco 

Composer – Cristina Crespo 

Production Assistant – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Production Runner – Charlie Cayzer 

Research  

Sylvia Hogarth 

Peter Hogarth 

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Inspired by the history of the City of York’s coaching inns, INNovating is a three-part audio drama that evokes the sounds and stories of these vibrant places of hospitality for travellers in the 1820s, stopping off on their journey along the Great North Road. 

Co-created by community researchers and actors, INNovating is written by Paul Birch and directed by Kate Valentine. The audio drama is a binaural experience, best listened to through headphones.

For more information to to www.innovating.co.uk 

Cast 

Jem – Christie Barnes  

Coachman Tom – Phil Massey 

Mrs Hammerton – Emma Wise 

Parson – Paul Birch 

Dragoon – Charlie Cayzer 

Market Boy – Aaron Birch 

Mr Hammerton – Mark Gowland  

Oyster Seller – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Peter – Paul Birch 

Jane – Livy Potter  

Annie – Julie Speedie 

Mrs Flowers – Heather Carter  

Jake – Mark Gowland 

Production 

Writer – Paul Birch 

Director – Kate Valentine 

Sound Designer – Matteo Falco 

Composer – Cristina Crespo 

Production Assistant – Kirsty O’Rourke 

Production Runner – Charlie Cayzer 

Research  

Sylvia Hogarth 

Peter Hogarth 

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Experience a sinister slice of York’s history by joining us for an audio drama behind the Hungate Clearances in York.

It is the 1930s and York’s newest Health Inspector encounters more than he bargains for in the mysterious and extraordinary alleys and yards of Hungate.

A strange body in the Foss, ghostly goings-on in Carmelite Street and an unlikely romance all feature in this moving tale of love, loss and community spirit.

Based on real events and inspired by letters, maps, books and photographs from the civic archives, The Nuisance Inspector uses drama, comedy and live music to transport you into a powerful and poignant past.

Prepare to be immersed…


Credits:
Nuisance Inspector written and directed by Paul Birch

Produced by Dave Fleming

Historical consultant Dr Julie-Ann Vickers

Performed by Colin Benson, Paul Birch, Thomas Frere, Tom Jackson, Rachel Price

Music composed and performed by Emily Lawler

Audio production Matt Seymour

Photography by Jackson Portraiture

Thanks to:
Explore York Libraries and Archives, Pauline Rourke at York Theatre Royal and Wellcome Trust who funded the cataloguing and conservation of the Past Caring Archives.

An Explore Labs production supported by public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. 

Teaser podcast for the up and coming "The Nuisance Inspector," audio drama released on Friday 27 November.

History is about to misbehave...

The Nuisance Inspector:
Experience a sinister slice of York’s history by joining us for an audio drama behind the Hungate Clearances in York.

It is the 1930s and York’s newest Health Inspector encounters more than he bargains for in the mysterious and extraordinary alleys and yards of Hungate.

A strange body in the Foss, ghostly goings-on in Carmelite Street and an unlikely romance all feature in this moving tale of love, loss and community spirit.

Based on real events and inspired by letters, maps, books and photographs from the civic archives, The Nuisance Inspector uses drama, comedy and live music to transport you into a powerful and poignant past.

Prepare to be immersed…


Credits:
Nuisance Inspector written and directed by Paul Birch

Produced by Dave Fleming

Historical consultant Dr Julie-Ann Vickers

Performed by Colin Benson, Paul Birch, Thomas Frere, Tom Jackson, Rachel Price

Music composed and performed by Emily Lawler

Audio production Matt Seymour

Photography by Jackson Portraiture

Thanks to:
Explore York Libraries and Archives, Pauline Rourke at York Theatre Royal and Wellcome Trust who funded the cataloguing and conservation of the Past Caring Archives.

An Explore Labs production supported by public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. 

History is about to misbehave is a series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York.