Shipping Forecast

A radio broadcast that has safeguarded seamen and become a mystifying, mesmerising cult among landlubbers is going “on air” as a comedy show coming to Sheringham Little Theatre.

The shipping forecast has provided vital information for seagoers for more than a century, but also transfixed a wider audience through its quirky phrases and oddly-named maritime locations such as Dogger, Fisher and German Bight.

Best-selling author and broadcaster Charlie Connelly celebrates and explains the bemusing bulletin in his one-man show Attention All Shipping, whose tour sails into Sheringham on Friday May 16.

He will unravel how a niche broadcast began in 1924, its cultural impact and shares adventures from his own journey through the 31 sea areas.

“I grew up with my parents playing the forecast on the radio while they cooked dinner and was captivated by the strange places and evocative phrases.

“Later as a travel writer who likes to explore undiscovered areas rather than tourist hot spots I decided to write a book about it 20 years ago and it has sold a quarter of a million copies. I have done talks about the book at festivals, then decided to try a show which I thought might play to a few people in arts centres then fizzle out.  But it is providing really popular – with 50 shows this year all over the country from coastal areas to inland, so it has become my full time job.”

The show also looks at stories in the sea areas which have included him being accused by the media or trying to annexe Rockall from the British Government, and meeting Spice Girl Scary Spice and actor Tom Hardy on the Isle of Man.

Charlie, 54, said the forecast’s appeal was a blend of its odd sea area names, a calming announcer, and rhythmic quality which had also inspired other people to create poetry and music.

“It’s a very rare example of a force for good – something that just wants to keep you safe. It also hasn’t changed much over its 100 years, so people enjoy the comforting, constant, never-changing set-up especially during these turbulent times when the world is in Storm Force 10!

Attention All Shipping: A Celebration of the Shipping Forecast is at 7.30pm on May 16 at Sheringham Little Theatre. Tickets £20 from www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.