Trailblazers by Periplum

Episode 1: Vici Wreford-Sinnott, Punk Activist and Theatre-Maker

Hartlepool-born writer, director and Disability rights activist Vici talks about discovering counter-culture while growing up in a pit village in the East Durham coalfield. She shares her memories of moving to London where “the streets were paved with punk”, her love of bands including New Model Army and Spear Of Destiny, and of being inspired by the DIY ethos of the movement.  Vici talks about the evolution of her career as a theatre-maker. She recalls her award-winning work in the Republic of Ireland, her part in holding one of the first disability arts festivals, and her decision to return to the north-east to make work that reflects the lives of her and her friends, including her 2025 production ‘Unruly’.  Vici talks about her conditions, mental and physical, about the urgent challenges facing Disabled people in Britain today, and the political necessity of being a Disability Rights Activist.  She discusses society’s obsession with perfection, the good and the bad in the high-profile media surrounding the London 2012 Paralympics, and how the struggle for equity continues. She also pays homage to her fellow travellers, and some of the many trailblazers and inspirational figures in the disabled arts world.  Interviewed by Claire Raftery. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund.   For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com [periplumcic@gmail.com]   The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.

Episode 2: Christine Sketchley, Educational Psychologist

On 2nd August 1990, in the lead-up to the first Gulf War, British Airways flight 149 was grounded in Kuwait. Christine was on-board that flight, and was one of 385 passengers and crew taken hostage by the Iraqi military. She describes how that life-changing experience has informed her practice as an educational psychologist dedicated to improving children’s lives.     The innovator behind the revolutionary Adults First system, Christine talks about growing up in Manchester, her childhood and education, and the influence of the rock band The Doors in choosing psychology as a career path. A 20-year resident of Norton in Stockton-on-Tees, Christine describes her innovative methods which are inspired by animal psychology and seek to empower parent-carers to effect positive change for young people.   Interviewed by Claire Raftery, Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com [periplumcic@gmail.com]   The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.

Episode 3: Amy Walton and Kelly Ensbury, Founders of Urban Kaos

Now celebrating their 20th year, Urban Kaos Dance Company is led by Stockton-based founders Amy and Kelly. They recall their life-long dancing careers and the evolution of the company - from their rebellion against the body perfectionism of professional dance to forming their own ethos where movement is for everyone.    They talk about their work which has reached thousands of people of all sizes, shapes, ages and backgrounds, including in community centres and schools, with an asylum support group and in Young Offenders Centres. They speak about their award-winning company and how they turned down Dragon’s Den - because they’re not franchiseable. And all of this born from the night they saw a field full of unicorns just off the A1.   Interview by Lynne Lawson. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com [periplumcic@gmail.com]   The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.

Episode 4: Jennifer Yuill, Activist for the 'No More Page 3' Campaign

10 years ago, the ‘No More Page 3’ campaign finally achieved its goal of removing the regular photographic feature of topless female models shown on Page 3 of The Sun, a self-proclaimed family newspaper.  Hartlepool native Jennifer Yuill was one of the core activists in that movement and recalls her fellow campaigners, the strategies and techniques they deployed, battling with online trolls, and how it felt to succeed in their goal. She talks about the ongoing friendships she made in the movement, her commitment to tackling sexism in the media, and her current work with the Youth Justice Board. Jennifer is an educator and co-founder of Woman Up!, a charity that raises the voices of marginalised, underrepresented and vulnerable women.  Interviewed by Vicky Jackson. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com [periplumcic@gmail.com]   This interview contains swear words. The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.

Episode 5: Ella Brewster, Elite Rugby Player & Artist

Artist, film-maker and professional rugby player Ella describes her journey to the top domestic levels of the sport, from a childhood in Darlington when she was the only girl on the pitch, to playing with some of the best rugby players in the world.   She talks about the camaraderie and friendships born from rugby culture, highlighting the body positivity it encourages and how there’s a place for every size and shape. She also discusses the challenges, from pre-match nerves to injuries and funding cuts. Ella describes her cultural career, inspired by her artist parents Lee and Jill Brewster, and how she’s balanced working creatively at ARC Stockton, Generator North-East and recently the BBC with training and playing rugby at the highest level.   Interviewed by Claire Raftery. Audio Mastered by Barry Han. Edited by Damian Wright. Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund For full transcript please contact periplumcic@gmail.com [periplumcic@gmail.com]   The words and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Periplum, or any other individual, organisation or funding body associated with the interview.