History is about to misbehave

Explore York

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...

  1. Time Travel Radio - Jorvik Radio Interview with Kate Valentine and Paul Birch

    6 MAY

    Time Travel Radio - Jorvik Radio Interview with Kate Valentine and Paul Birch

    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.

    15 min
  2. Time Travel Radio

    12 FEB

    Time Travel Radio

    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.

    31 min

  3. 7 FEB

    History Misbehaves: All Change

    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.

    8 min

  4. 7 FEB

    History Misbehaves: No Chance of Peace

    Meet Amy, a woman living through the anxieties of wartime. As she awaits her husband’s return from working on the trains, Amy grapples with fear and the unrelenting pressures of life during conflict.  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.

    8 min

  5. 31 JAN

    History Misbehaves: Mr Hawley's Boots

    Step into the shoes of Rachel, a young girl huddled in an Anderson shelter during a wartime blackout. As bombs fall around her, she recalls witnessing a heartbreaking local tragedy...  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.

    6 min

  6. 31 JAN

    History Misbehaves: Head Above Water

    Meet Leonard, a man whose life is transformed as he moves from Hungate to the newly built Tang Hall estate.  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.

    9 min

  7. 24 JAN

    History Misbehaves: The Diary of Lady Starkey

    Step into the world of Lady Starkey, a formidable woman who takes justice into her own hands to deal with poachers on her Tang Hall estate.  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.

    9 min

  8. 24 JAN

    History Misbehaves: All the King's Women

    Meet Nan Ball, a determined and courageous woman who disguises herself as a soldier to follow her love into the chaos of the Civil War.  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.

    9 min
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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...

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