Podcast: From the Horse’s Mouth 

An exploration of place and community through story

We are thrilled to announce the release of our exciting new podcast: From the Horse’s Mouth.

Released every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in January 2025, this captivating collection of short stories, poetry and prose delves into what makes our communities distinct, and it is now available for download from all major digital podcast providers.

All the episodes are available to listen to below.

You can also find the podcast on your favourite platform. Simply search for From the Horse’s Mouth to tune in, follow and subscribe or click below.

Listen to the Podcast

About the Podcast

From the Horse’s Mouth features recordings of new works inspired by storytelling from various Cornish communities: from Zennor to Treyla, from Scilly to Bude, Redruth to Launceston. The writers have been gifted memories, hidden histories, sometimes a throwaway anecdote, but always something surprising.

The writers include Lea Judge, Anna Maria Murphy, Amanda Harris, Brett Harvey, Oliver Berry, Jen Fletcher, Catrin Walker Booth, Sophie Wainwright, Callum Mitchell, Poppy Wonnacott, Jane Spurr, Sarah Dickenson, Roisin McCay-Hines, Lucy Charleston and Tori Cannell alongside sound designers Guy Connelly, Martin Skews, Ben Sutcliffe and Matt Thomason, the podcasts were recorded at Cornish Underground and are produced by o-region.

This podcast is part of a larger outreach project across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, led by o-region’s Artistic Director Simon Harvey and lead writer Anna Maria Murphy.

These original works have been performed live across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and have inspired the writing for o-region’s forthcoming theatre show, WHITE HORSE, based on the classic Michael Morpurgo book. WHITE HORSE will be premiering at the Regal Theatre in Redruth from 28 February to 8 March.

The Outreach Project

Our team of talented artists conducted a series of residencies on St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly, Bude, Launceston, Redruth, and Penzance.

Through drop-in story-collecting sessions, art and craft activities, song composition, drama and writing workshops, and community interviews, we explored the themes of place, family, and home.

These activities engaged 136 community members, who contributed to the creation of 76 original pieces of writing – 23 of which will feature through our podcasts.

A Treasure Trove of Stories

Our From the Horse’s Mouth podcast continues this important work, offering a treasure trove of Cornish community stories that celebrate the unique qualities of the places we call home.

What business has Redruth? I ask,
With Terracotta frontage,
Domed turrets, copper spires,
Albeit now somewhat blunted?
I hear a man’s voice groan.
“You wouldn’t be the first my love, but here,
We mind our own.”

From What Business has Redruth?
by Caitrin Walker-Booth

Support and Acknowledgements

This project is generously supported by the Shared Prosperity Fund, Arts Council England, Hall for Cornwall, FEAST, and Michael Spiers.

With thanks to: Trelya, The Buttermarket Redruth, The Five Islands Academy, Launceston Library, Ponundstock PCC.

Credits

  • Lead Writers/Editors: Anna Maria Murphy & Simon Harvey
  • Writers: Oliver Berry, Sarah Dickenson, Amanda Harris, Brett Harvey & Callum Mitchell
  • Emerging Writers: Tori Cannell, Lucy Charleston, Jen Fletcher, Lea Judge, Roisin McCay-Hines, Jane Spurr, Catrin Walker-Booth, Sophie Wainwright & Poppy Wonnacott
  • Music/Sound Composition: Guy Connelly, Martin Skews, Ben Sutcliffe, Matthew Thomason
  • Performers: Tegen Bonner, Cordelia Bonner, Jack Brownridge-Kelly, Connie Crosby, Simon Harvey, Lowenna Hosken, Sally Knight, Anna Maria Murphy, Brendan McGreal, Daniel Richards, Ben Sutcliffe, Catrin Walker-Booth, Michael White
  • Audio produced: Cornish Underground
  • Podcast producer: Michael White
  • Produced by: o-region