Jo Loosemore

BBC Radio Devon presenter Jo Loosemore loves drama and the arts

Jo grew up in Torquay so has always had a fascination with the bright coloured lights that sparkle along the English Riviera.

Although Jo's first jobs were theatrical - dressing up as Robbie the Rabbit and appearing and disappearing with a local magician - they didn't quite offer the glamour of BBC Radio Devon.

You may well have seen Jo on stage in South Devon.

She's appreared as a series of summery Shakespearean heroines in Dartington, as well as a flying, but non-singing, Peter Pan in Torquay.

Rumour has it that the scenery has yet to recover from the impact - and it's rare to see her wearing green these days.

"I remember being swung what seemed like hundreds of feet above the stage - never again," said Jo.

"Although I loved the stage fighting I'm not sure I could kill a crocodile - or a pirate for that matter - but Captain Hook certainly met his match."

Roaming with Romans

Jo's theatrical experience helps her direct BBC Devon's radio plays

After spending two years trying to master martial arts and gurgling green tea in Japan, Jo returned to the UK to train as a museum curator.

As such, she has counted the sculptures at Torre Abbey, roamed with the Romans and mused with the maritime collection at the museum in Exeter.

Jo was also based at Plymouth museum for several years, recording the stories of local people for the "Plymouth Argyle" and "Tales From The City" social history exhibitions.

"I've always loved history.

"The stories of the past are so rich and local history often brings Devon's darker past to life too."

Jo directs many of BBC Radio Devon's drama productions like the 2009 radio play The White Lady . "Directing brings together the stories of the county's history, as well as my love of theatre and the arts," she said.