Haunting play for BBC Radio Devon

by Jo Loosemore BBC Devon

BBC Radio Devon is looking for The White Lady in a local castle.

A new radio play for BBC Radio Devon is based on the haunting story of two sisters.

Inspired by Berry Pomeroy Castle and its history, the play retells the legend of The White Lady.

We've auditioned local actors to work with us over the summer of 2009 to bring the story of The White Lady to life - and to BBC Radio Devon.

The play is written by Teignmouth writer Eleanor Fossey and centres on the story of two sisters - Margaret and Eleanor.

This is a dramatic tale and one which we hope will excite local actors wanting to bring it to life on radio Sarah Solftley, assistant editor, BBC Radio Devon

It follows them through their childhood and teenage rivalry into their lives as young adults, when their relationship is put under great strain by the arrival of a young man.

Rehearsals took place during August and recording starts in September. Both will take place in locations in Plymouth and Totnes.

Made in England

The White Lady is produced by BBC Radio Devon as part of the BBC/Arts Council's Made in England project.

"We love producing plays for radio," said Sarah Solftley, assistant editor of BBC Radio Devon.

"They are always based in the great stories of the county's history. This is a dramatic tale and one which we hope will excite local actors wanting to bring it to life on radio."

Berry Pomeroy Castle - a perfect setting

Based in the history of Berry Pomeroy Castle, the story is set in the late 1400s.

The White Lady refers to the legend of female ghosts who are said to haunt places following traumas in life. The legend exists all over the world and does feature in some stories about Berry Pomeroy.

The White Lady by Eleanor Fossey, produced by BBC Radio Devon, will debut in October 2009.

Cast List

After very competitive auditions, which attracted 80 local actors, the following cast was chosen to tell the story of the mysterious White Lady:

Eleanor

Venetia Maitland

Eleanor (young)

Ilona Reese

Margaret

Cassie Williamson

Margaret (young)

Thea Hope Johnson

Edwin

Aaron Turner

Clemence

Sally Reid

Lord Pomeroy

Ken Hayden Sadler

Lady Pomeroy

Kathy Elsley

Wise Woman

Marion MacBeth

Priest

Paul Wonnacott

Jester

John Palmer

Troubador

Tony Crocker

Man

Robin Willoughby

The company is made up of actors from Tavistock, Teignmouth, Totnes, South Brent, Plymouth and Newton Ferrers.