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'Facing the Hedge' is a new comedy for radio looking at the experiences and escapism of two couples on a camping holiday.

For many, camping means canvas and the great outdoors, while for others it's an eye-level rotisserie and the great indoors of a motor home. Both offer plenty of comic potential.

Putting up a tent, cooking on a camping stove and making a break for the toilet block are key scenes in 'Facing the Hedge'.

Recording the play on location

The play is written by local poet and novelist Rowland Molony. Based at Beer in East Devon, this is Rowland's first play for radio.

"I think the comic potential of camping must have been brewing in my mind long before the play tumbled out of me very quickly," said Roland.

'Facing the Hedge' was written as part of a writing for radio project at the Crediton Arts Centre, led by the University of Exeter's writer in residence, Sue Teddern.

The play focuses on two couples holidaying at a camp site in Devon. Sandy and Ambrose have a tent, which they struggle to put up, and Rocky and Charlene are proud owners of a motor home.

The drama follows both couples as they enjoy the escape of camping and face the realities of their relationships.

"Ambrose, Sandy, Rocky and Charlene are not based on real people, but they did become real people as the actors grew and built the characters," explained Rowland.

Nick Bradshaw comes up for air

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon is committed to working with local writers and performersΜύ dramatising stories of particular local relevance for radio.

To date more than 100 local performers have worked with Radio Devon on a variety of drama productions.

'Facing the Hedge' features five members of the station's developing drama repertory company: Nick Bradshaw, who performed in Hallsands, Jo Fallaize (The Witches of Bideford), Bill Pavey (Silver Blaze), Karen Sheehan (Hallsands) and Helen Randall (Hallsands).

The play was rehearsed at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Devon’s Exeter studios, and recorded on location in a tent and a motor home at the Springfield Holiday Park, Tedburn St Mary.

'Facing the Hedge' was first broadcast in August 2007. You can listen to the whole play again using the audio link on this page.