An award-winning podcast based in Manchester will now be available for young passengers on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Manchester-based arts organisation Made by Mortals launched its podcast Armchair Adventures to create an outlet which young and old people could engage with during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Each adventure featured in the podcast series is inspired by the life experiences of Made by Mortals’ participants – and now they will all be offered to listen to on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Andy Smith, Director of Made By Mortals, said: “When the pandemic hit, we wanted to keep the connection between the older people and younger generations that we had established through our theatre productions and workshops.
“We decided that since we couldn’t take the shows out to children anymore, we’d provide a podcast for them, an interactive and fun arts and culture experience.
“We quickly adapted to Zoom, upskilling the elderly people, setting them up on the software and equipping them with cameras and microphones – that’s where Armchair Adventures was born and even fully produced for its first few episodes!”
The organisation, led by directors Paul Hine and Andy, has been using music and theatre sessions in their work with elderly people and those with mental health conditions.
The Armchair Adventures podcast takes listeners on a journey of the imagination, following the story of Connie, a young girl whose family-run travel agency is at risk of going bust as a result of the pandemic.
Alongside her customers, who are portrayed by the group’s elderly participants, she creates an alternative to a traditional holiday – an adventure from the armchair.
The partnership comes after Armchair Adventures received the bronze prize for Best Family Podcast at this year’s British Podcast Awards, having previously picked up awards from the Digital City Awards and Manchester Publicity Association Awards.
Cathy Walters, Manager of Inflight Entertainment at Virgin Atlantic, said: “We love the story of Armchair Adventures, which brings different generations together through this fun, interactive podcast.
“We’re really proud to have them as part of our entertainment line-up and I’m sure children will enjoy letting their imaginations fly while onboard.”
Image courtesy of Made by Mortals
