In this special episode of Time Travel Radio, Jorvik Radio’s Nick Love interviews writer Paul Birch and director Kate Valentine to uncover the creative process behind the acclaimed audio drama.

From digging into York’s Acomb Manorial Records and back issues of the Acomb Herald to collaborating with local performers, they share how the archive inspired unexpected stories, the joys of working with enthusiastic community groups, and what’s next for the History Misbehaves series—including an exciting new project at Clifton Explore Library. Discover why radio remains a powerful and playful way to bring the past to life.

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.

From 1680s livestock disputes to 1980s radio ads, this playful journey through time reveals the timeless quirks of local life...

Time Travel Radio is part of the History Misbehaves series of dramas and comedies using archival material to creatively engage with the past. It was created and inspired by York Archival Material from the Acomb Manorial Record and back issues of the Acomb Herald magazine. It was researched, devised, written and performed by Dorrie Brown, Holly Beer, Heather Carter, Ged Cooper, Sam Fawcett, Laurie Furnell, Jenny Hall, Phil Pollard, Noah Taylor and Ian Wood. Head writer and Script Editing by Paul Birch, Research advisor Chris Cassidy, Production Assistant Holly Beer. Time Travel Radio was directed by Kate Valentine and is a co-produced by Digital Drama, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Explore Libraries and Archives.

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.

Join Marie and her friend Rose as they wade through the Tang Beck, dreaming of a brighter future and post-war dances at the De Grey Rooms.

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.