Radio play is just the spirit

Berry Pomeroy is the ghostly setting for this new radio play by Eleanor Fossey

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.

Cassie Williamson and Venetia Maitland take the lead roles

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

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.

After auditions at the beginning of the summer a cast of local actors began rehearsing ahead of the recording sessions in September.

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 on the great stories of the county's history.

"The White Lady is is a dramatic tale and one which we hope our listeners and fans of ghostly legends will enjoy as it is being brought to life on radio."

The story is set at Berry Pomeroy Castle in the late 1400s.

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

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 be broadcast on Thursday 12 November at 7pm during a special programme dedicated to the history of this local legend.

The production team is also keen to hear about your stories and ghostly experiences.

Call 01752 234512 to share your tales.

Cast List

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

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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

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