New audio drama features Rochdale's rich canal history

Rochdale's rich canal history has been brought vividly to life in a new full-cast audio drama titled Scuttled.

The local project, in a collaboration between Bamalam Productions and the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), features actor Christopher Eccleston, and explores the lives of the Ashworth family, who lived and worked along the Rochdale canal between 1840 and 1922.

The children's roles were cast from local talent at St Edward’s Primary School in Rochdale, where six young actors were chosen after a day of workshops, and their recordings took place at Rochdale’s Voltalab Studios.

The inspiration for Scuttled came directly from Rochdale when MOLA's archaeological consultant and co-producer, Kelly Griffiths, unearthed a significant find during a dig in the heart of the town.

While overseeing an archaeological excavation at a disused car park near the historic canal basin, Griffiths discovered the remains of barge boats abandoned in the warehouse boat-holes.

These 72-foot long and 14-foot wide vessels, known as Mersey Flats, had been integral to the canal's history, transporting coal, cotton, and other goods. The boats, scuttled in 1921, were thought to be a century old at the time.

Griffiths, captivated by the history embedded in these barges, envisioned a drama that would delve into the lives of the families who once worked on these boats. “Whilst I was standing in one of the hulks, I realised I wanted to explore the lives of the families who worked and lived on these beautiful wide-beam barges,” she recalled.

With support from an Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) grant from MOLA, made possible by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the project quickly gained momentum.

Writer Ian Winterton, a trustee and associate producer at Bamalam, was brought on board to develop the storyline.

He, Griffiths, and the team first focused on hiring five writers from North West England, ensuring that the drama would resonate with local audiences. “The project really sparked my imagination,” Winterton said.

The writers were immersed in Rochdale's archives, including the local studies section, where they accessed historical records, newspapers, and photographs.

These materials provided a wealth of inspiration, helping each writer develop a script based on a different aspect of canal life.

Steventon spoke passionately about the project: “Bringing the stories of the Rochdale Canal's barges to life has been a profound journey.

“Their resilience and grit, navigating the waters of the late 1800s, echo in every line of this drama... Together, I do believe we've honoured the voices of those who once lived and worked along these storied waters.”

Scuttled premiered on 4 September 2024 and the audio drama is available to stream or download online, with new episodes released every Wednesday.

To listen, search for "The Midweek Drama" on your preferred podcast platform, or visit their Audioboom page. This project not only showcases Rochdale's historical significance but also highlights the town's ongoing contribution to the arts and heritage sectors.

audioboom.com/midweek-drama