Barnsley's Red Phone Box Shares Town's Stories

A distinctive red telephone box, known as "Calling Barnsley," is beginning a six-month tour of the town's libraries. This unique installation plays audio monologues featuring stories from Barnsley residents, offering a novel way to share local experiences. The project, created by the Lung Theatre group, involved extensive recording sessions with students from Barnsley College over a two-year period. These students also contributed to the production and direction of vocal actors, transforming collected narratives into compelling monologues. The "Calling Barnsley" box has been thoughtfully designed to be wider than typical public phone boxes, ensuring it is accessible to wheelchair users. Visitors can pick up the receiver and select different stories by dialing various numbers, providing an intimate listening experience. The project aims to bring these personal stories to a wider audience across Barnsley's community spaces.