Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) is inviting audiences on a week-long communal listening experience. Assemble Here is the latest project from the Spark programme – a programme of digital innovation and experimentation.

The theatre commissioned five Cumbrian writers to pen a ten to twenty minute audio drama each and the results are a diverse mix of tantalising tales performed by a single actor. There are stories that move from the top of Helvellyn to the bottom of the ocean, every tale plunges the listener into a different world, or even makes the listener part of the story. Expect pieces that will make you laugh, cry, go on a mythological journey, or even make you explore sound – and silence – itself: each day will bring a new experience. The writers will also send ‘listening instructions’ to help create an immersive environment, ensuring the listener has the best atmosphere to enjoy their tale.

Exploring legends, silence, home, friendship and hiking, a different brand new audio drama will be released every day over five days from Mon 24 – Fri 28 May.

The project’s lead, Fay Lomas said:
“When TBTL talked to me about this project, I was overjoyed. It’s involved no fewer than 13 creative members behind the scenes, not to mention theatre staff. It’s been fabulous to showcase the talent of local Cumbrian writers in this way; all the writers either live in, or are originally from, Cumbria so to see the project come together and create this collection has been wonderful. Each piece seeks to take its audience into a new sound world: we’re really looking forward to sharing these stories with Theatre by the Lake audiences.”

Book your free tickets before Mon 24 May to receive a new story every day from 24-28 May direct to your inbox. Visit www.theatrebythelake.com/events/assemble-here

Liz Stevenson, Artistic Director of TBTL added:
“We’re inviting you all to get your headphones ready and prepare to dive into new fictional landscapes created by these talented local writers. The stories have so much relevance to the local people and area, either being set here or having been inspired here. We’re overjoyed at the results and we think these tales will really resonate with listeners from across Cumbria.”

The plays:

Button by Louise Coulthard
Second Life by Karen Featherstone
The Year the Cuckoo Never Came by Peter MacQueen
Hel(l)vellyn by Hannah Sowerby
Sunken by Noriko Ward

The plays have been directed by Fay Lomas and Taio Lawson with composition and sound design by Maryport-born Mark Melville. Actors include Diveen Henry, Kerry Willison-Parry, Indra Ové, Jasmine Hyde and Kate Spencer.