A NEW Teesdale podcast, aptly named In The Spotlight, is shining the full-strength of the online world on The Witham, in Barnard Castle.
Hosted by The Witham’s own Stuart Laundy (and former journalist at the Teesdale Mercury), the podcasts aim to spread the word of the popular arts centre across the digital highway as well as giving a taste of what’s coming up.
The weekly podcast, which launched last month, will be a mix of conversation with people from the local community who teach classes at the arts centre and interviews with those heading to perform in Barney.
Mr Laundy, who was busy interviewing Quigong instructor Andy Yeadon, said: “The podcasts will be a mix of chats to people like Andy, who are from the local community that teach classes at the arts centre as well as promoting forthcoming attractions at The Witham.
“We started with a traditional-style chat with Rhys Morgan and Rob West ahead of their Unbelieable Science show.”
This was followed by an interview with folk duo Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, who have just released their new album and will be performing at The Witham on Saturday, April 25.
He added: “It’s a chance to play a few tracks from their new album and have a chat. We have also got one in the pipeline with Sarah McQuaid, a folk singer songwriter who has a show in May [at The Witham] as part of a huge 30-date tour.”
A new podcast will be released each Friday to coincide with The Witham’s weekly e-newsletter.
He added: “Where musicians are concerned the podcasts will give them the opportunity to play a few tracks ahead of their visit and it provides people, who may not be familiar with their work, to hear them and think ‘I like the sound of them’ and get themselves tickets for their gig.”
There will be a link to the podcast posted on The Witham website and the centre’s social media channels for those who would prefer to access the show this way. The podcast episodes are also be available on all major podcast platforms such as Google, Apple, Spotify and Amazon Music. Simply search for “The Witham In the Spotlight.
