We’re excited to announce a brand new series of ‘performed walks’ around the Isle of Wight between July and October. Join us in Ryde, Freshwater, Newport, and Newtown as we focus on figures associated with the Island’s history, some familiar, some lesser known. During each, an actor will double as historical figure/tour guide to inform and entertain, bringing history to life.
The walks will explore the Isle of Wight’s hidden LGBTQ+ History which links with the LGBTQ+ Trail map, designed by local artist Spike Spondike and available to explore on Visit Isle of Wight webpage
Each walk has been carefully designed and scripted by commissioned writers. All directed by Rebecca Tremain.
Future walks:
October | Ferguson’s Gang in Newtown
Written by Anmarie Bowler
Performed by Kat Burton
Directed by Rebecca Tremain
Today, the Gang may be termed ‘influencers’ as they raised and donated significant funds to the National Trust, including to Newtown’s town hall. A century on, their madcap, inclusive antics reveal free spirits who lovingly left behind something lasting.
Leisurely paced walks
The walks will be carried out at a leisurely pace, they will last around an hour each, some are being schedule as part of the Isle of Wight Autumn Walking Festival.
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Past walks
13 July | Wilde in Ryde | Town Hall, Lind Street | 10.30am
Written by Jason Watts
Performed by Si Lynch
Directed by Rebecca Tremain
Curious islanders experienced a walk with the celebrated raconteur and hear about his famous (or infamous) life, including his lecture ‘On Dress’ which was given in Ryde Town Hall in 1884.
31 August | Woolf in Freshwater | Albion Hotel, Freshwater | 10.30am
Written by Cody Pevreall
Performed by Emily Scotcher
Directed by Rebecca Tremain
In August, Virginia Woolf will take walkers around Freshwater as she returns to her childhood holiday home. In the wake of her separation from Vita Sackville-West, she will reminisce about the women she loved who inspired her work.
18 September | Mew in Newport
Written by Katie Daysh
Performed by Hillard Morley
Directed by Rebecca Tremain
Charlotte Mew, a poet who is rarely celebrated, will show visitors around Newport. Mew will talk of her past on the island and how it inspired her work. Told through the voice of her spirit, the performance will chart her ultimately tragic life and give her poetry the recognition it deserves.
The project is made possible by Community Lottery Fund, Isle of Wight Heritage Services and in collaboration with Queer Heritage and Collections Network Creative Projects programme supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.