Going For Independence (GFI), the Teesside organisation supporting the blind and partially-sighted is thrilled to have received financial support from Arts Council England and the Teesside Charity to create a new Audio Drama.

Working with Whitby-based Dogwood Productions, it will bring to life the Bel View guest house in the fictitious Teesside seaside resort of Whitborough-by-the-sea. In four episodes, each created by one of GFI’s groups of people with sight loss, in Redcar, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton, the drama will feature a young couple as they struggle to run the recently inherited guest house.

Whilst some stories will develop across the whole soap, and the proprietors will be professional actors, each episode will feature characters devised and performed by members of the local GFI groups. Other group members will create the sound effects, as we hear the sound of the local attractions and the unfolding drama in the kitchen and dining room of Bel View. The project will start in June of this year.

The development of the drama will be led by Antony Bellekom from Dogwood Productions, who brings his experience not only of creating theatre, but also as a former producer of BBC Radio 4’s long running soap, The Archers. Antony commented, “ The most entertaining dramas are those where we really believe in the characters and with Bel View not only do we have the proprietors, Lucy and Dan, who we think audiences will love, but the real voices and experiences of local people”.

GFI’s Managing Director, Pam Bennett, explained why this was such a valuable opportunity, “Impairment and loss of sight can not only produce day-to-day practical issues, but can lead to a restriction in taking part in creative activity and simply, in meeting with other people. Our regular sessions help to counter any sense of isolation and Bel View will gives us the chance to work together, be creative, and most importantly, share new experiences.”

Going For Independence is a national community interest company for social benefit, based in Saltburn. It supports people with sight loss and their families,  and with other long term conditions, in providing training, information and advice on independent living, and creating specialist and leisure activities.

These activities include providing monthly workshops, information sessions and social meetings for people across Teesside, including Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar, Middlesbrough and Stockton.

Its recent Sea-ing Sense project in 2024, in partnership with the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, included guided walks along the coast at Redcar, Seaton Carew, Saltburn by the Sea and Coatham Marsh with specialist walk leaders. These were augmented through workshops focussed on the coast and shore using a multisensory approach to maximise participation. Site-specific recordings were made of local sounds, history and descriptions of the walks, available to download from the www.sensingthewild.info website.

Website: www.goingforindependence.org
Website: www.sensingthewild.info
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01287 204204

Dogwood Productions is an award-winning, professional theatre company based in Whitby.  The company specialises in new writing, often with live music, touring to community venues, arts centres and theatres. Some of its work has subsequently made its way before larger audiences, with a sold-out performance at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatre and being transmitted on BBC Radio 4.

Dogwood is a National Theatre partner for the RNLI and its new musical, Facing The Waves,  reflects life in coastal communities and the service of the crews down through the generations. The production has toured Yorkshire and the North-East and appeared at the Lyric Theatre in London.

As a community interest company, it is not for profit and invests in producing new shows and creating workshops for young people and its local community.

Website: www.dogwoodproductions.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0772 0882 530

Antony Bellekom is a former producer of BBC Radio 4’s The Archers, and his broadcasting career included Managing Editor of BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music.

His work for Dogwood Productions includes writing and directing, often utilising reminiscence recordings as a research tool, capturing experiences and aspirations. His productions include the company’s Facing The Waves and Another Winter’s Tale.

Arts Council England (ACE) is the national development agency for creativity and culture in England. Its mission is to ensure everyone has access to high-quality cultural experiences and the chance to participate in and enjoy creativity. ACE supports a wide range of activities across the arts, including theatre, digital art, dance, music, literature, and more.