Smugglers’ Run Immersive Trail – Writer – Mudeford, Dorset.
Smugglers’ Run is a self-led walking trail along Mudeford Quay, Christchurch, created in a collaboration between BCP Council and Arts University Bournemouth. The trail features 16 illustrated signs created by Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) in a collaboration between BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Illustration and Modelmaking Students as well as narration throughout performed by BA (Hons) Acting students, graduates and staff, written by Alice Flynn.
For this project Alice wrote 16 bespoke audio pieces working to a tight 60-90 seconds for each scene. Each audio track had to work as a both a standalone piece, for people passing by, and as part of a longer narrative arc for people following the whole trail.
During the research and development stage for the script, Alice worked alongside the project director Marten Simms, directors Katharine Piercey and Megan Purdie and acting graduates and students to develop the characters and their voices, taking inspiration from events, people and stories shared by local historians from Mudeford’s smuggling past.
In writing the script Alice wove essential historical facts and information with fictionalised aspects for the listener, working to maintain a balance of drama, humour, playfulness and excitement that could be appeal to all ages. Alice also ensured the script echoed the illustrated signage of the trail, without repeating what was said, to offer contrast and interest.
Alice wrote a narrative that follows one of the most notorious of the 18th century Christchurch smugglers, John Streeter, who, together the spirited New Forest ‘wild child’, Lovey Warne, take the listener on a fascinating journey through time and space. They share memories of old Mudeford, run-ins with the law and of meetings with smugglers such as the reckless ‘Slippery’ Rogers, business-like Isaac Gulliver and his foppish chorus, the White Wigs, and the warm but wily landlady, Hannah Seller of the Haven House Inn.
You can listen to the audio trail below via the link below, and see the illustrations and download the audio transcript, too:
https://www.explorebcp.co.uk/explore-christchurch/smugglers-run-trail
Alternatively, you can visit Mudeford Quay and walk the trail:
“It begins outside the Haven Café on the Quay: Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 3NQ.
What3Words:///crush.deals.pure All paths on this route are hard surface.
The Quay has a car park and is connected to bus routes.
Credits
Thank to you to the local historians, who helped to create this trail for their invaluable expertise and content creation, and Arts University Bournemouth for their work as supporting partner; Marten Simms for project development and design of the trail, BA Model-Making students Sofia McClarnon, Luna Ubide Holmes, Ella Ireland, Eyrun Ingolfsdottir, & Harry Codd for their amazing artwork, Joe Lillington for illustration, and Nat Carr for the graphic design of this trail.
The audio trail was produced by AUB Acting and created by drawing upon the information and inspiration of the trail signs, historical research by local historians, and improvisations and input from AUB Acting students and graduates; written by Alice Flynn, directed by Katharine Piercey and Megan Purdie, sound design and recording by Alex Green, performed by Lucy Jayne, Matt Lockett, Craig Norman, Katharine Piercey, Ken Robertson and Lauren Turner.”
https://www.explorebcp.co.uk/explore-christchurch/smugglers-run-trail
