History is about to misbehave
A series of audio dramas, artistic creations and interviews inspired by the archive and local history collections relating to York. The city’s civic archive is one of the most significant outside London, covering over 800 years of York’s history as a self-governing authority. The collection is remarkable both for its continuity and its comprehensiveness, detailing all aspects of life in the city. Local organisations and individuals are also represented in the archive’s ‘community collections’ which date from 1529 onwards. Through our award-winning community arts projects, we continue to challenge the imaginations of our archivists, artists and creatives to use the collections to reach new and diverse audiences.
History is about to misbehave...
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.