Music and theatre organisation Made by Mortals is calling on the Caribbean and African community to come along and join them in creating an Armchair Adventure.
The not-for-profit organisation has partnered with the Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN) in Manchester to create a new episode of their adventure podcast for children.
Andy Smith, composer and director at Made by Mortals, explained: “We are looking for people from the Caribbean or African community in Manchester to work alongside us to share their life experiences to create an interactive travel adventure story.”
Charles Kwaku-Odoi, chief officer of CAHN, said: “CAHN is really excited to be collaborating with Made by Mortals to produce a new podcast episode, that enables Caribbean and African people to share stories and experiences with younger people.
“In light of the recent high profile conversations about race and racism, this is a fantastic intergenerational project that captures lived experiences.”
The Armchair Adventures podcast was first created in the first lockdown in 2020 and eight episodes of series 1 have been released. Since then, it has had more than 20,000 listens and was recommended by BBC Radio 4 as a ‘positive podcast for 2021’. The organisation also runs regular online live Armchair Adventure shows for primary school children across the North West.
Made by Mortals works with their over-65s theatre group, Hearts & Minds, as well as different community groups, to create the interactive podcast adventures. Each episode is inspired by a person’s experience, knowledge and passions and expressed through drama, music and immersive sound design.
The story follows Connie, whose parents run a travel agency that had to close due to coronavirus. With the help of her customers (the community group members), she takes them on exciting fictional journeys of the imagination.
The podcast is written especially for children to enjoy and eight episodes of series 1 are available online and on podcast apps on your mobile phone for anyone to listen to. Made by Mortals are now starting work on series 2 of Armchair Adventures.
Who can take part?
Made by Mortals is looking for 12 people from Manchester’s Caribbean or African community who want to take part in this creative collective experience. They do not need to have ANY previous experience at all in music or theatre or podcasts.
They’re looking for people who are willing to get involved and want to exercise their creative muscles. Overall, it’s fun, free and accessible. Each participant must be over 18, from the Caribbean or African community and have a Manchester postcode. Every participant will receive £75 of shopping vouchers for taking part.
The project starts on Wednesday, June 30, and will run for 10 sessions until September 8 (with a break in the middle for summer holidays).
The sessions will take place at The West Indian Sport & Social Club, Westwood Street, Manchester, M14 4SW.
The group will be working with a professional scriptwriter, professional musicians and a team of podcast specialists to create and record an episode of Armchair Adventures.
If you or someone you know would like to take part, please email Jenny@MadebyMortals.org with your name and contact details.
