Preview: The Secret Earl of Biddick – Webcast

The Secret Earl of Biddick – Webcast Online Wednesday 8 April 2020, 6pm

Arts Centre Washington’s theatre may be closed at the moment but that doesn’t mean you have to totally miss out on top quality theatre. Settle in for a webcast premiere of The Secret Earl of Biddick which was specially commissioned by Arts Centre Washington for the visit of the Tall Ships to Sunderland in July 2018. The webcast will be premier on Arts Centre Washington’s Youtube channel and on the centre’s Facebook page on Wednesday 8 April at 6pm.

The River Wear becomes the setting for the local legend of James Drummond, a Scottish Earl who made his way to South Biddick after defeat at the Battle of Culloden.    In 1746, a man calling himself ‘James Drummond’ arrived in the little Pit Village of South Biddick, Washington, claiming to be the Sixth Earl of Perth.

His claim that he had just fled the Battle of Culloden whilst fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie was met with disbelief by some but belief by others. Like, for instance, his wife Elizabeth who he met and married shortly after he arrived here in the North East.

To this day, no-one knows for sure if he was telling the truth – but if he was, then someone around here is due a Castle and a sizeable part of Scotland! Thomas’ story is told by a twenty-five strong cast of young, tough Biddickers, played by the Art Centre’s own Youth Theatre, alongside professional actors Dale Jewitt, Sarah Boulter, Like Maddison and Zoe Thompson.

The Secret Earl of Biddick was generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of ‘Harbouring Heritage’, an exciting range of heritage events, activities and performances that took place across Washington and Sunderland as part of Sunderland Tall Ships 2018. It features an original script and music from award-winning playwright, Neil Armstrong, and a cast of professional actors and members of Arts Centre Washington's Youth Theatre. The live recording will be available from Wednesday 8 April on the Arts Centre’s Youtube channel.