Places remember

Before The Tide Takes Them

Season 1, Ep. 1

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Thursday, October 1, 2026

Before the Tide Takes Them

Part One of The Happisburgh Trilogy

A Norfolk village. A family touched by repeated loss. Questions that would not stay buried.

In our first episode of Places Remember, we travel to Happisburgh, where the deaths of several members of one family cast a long shadow over the name of Jonathan Balls. What emerged in 1846 raised disturbing questions about poison, suspicion and what those around him had witnessed.

Through an original audio drama, brought to life by our cast and an atmospheric soundscape, we follow the story through the voices of villagers trying to make sense of events unfolding among them.

After the drama, join Nigel and Allison as we discuss the history behind the story, the choices made in adapting it, and the questions that remain unanswered.

Explore the accompanying Journal on our website, where we are gradually adding research, historical sources and further details as our investigations continue.

Based on historical events and contemporary newspaper reports. Characters, dialogue and some events have been imagined or adapted for the drama.

Content note: Includes themes of suspected poisoning, death and the loss of children.

Cast.

Role Actors

Mr Cole David Stephenson

Jonathan Balls Kieran Byrne

Mary Beales Jeanette George

Maria Lambert Emma Holohan

Elizabeth Peggs. Holly Rant

Anne Peggs Caitlyn Stephenson

Charlotte Williams. Amelia Smith

John Bulman. Pete Kijek