Rutland is the setting for comedy podcast

Life in a typically rural part of England is parodied in a new comedy podcast produced by Rutland man Joe Johnson.

It takes a lightly mocking but ultimately affectionate look at issues that can be all consuming in a Rutland village, from the local cricket team celebrating its 125th anniversary to all that is involved in the village fete.

Joe said: “The podcast sit com is set in a village near Oakham.

“It comes from a place of real affection, but that said I’ve certainly taken the mick a little bit.

“I wrote the whole thing and perform every character, so it’s been a labour of love.

“I’m pleased to say that reviews have been overwhelmingly positive."

In a self-deprecating way he jokingly described it as ‘a load of old nonsense really’, but added: “It might be of interest to people who may have a passing interest in Oakham, village cricket, local artisan food, angry gamekeepers, real ale, Rutland private school kids and Showaddywaddy.”

His well observed insight into village life and the diverse range of characters that inhabit that world is a comedic homage to the rural idyll.

Joe cleverly plays each and every character as they come and go in series of scenarios that will be all too familiar to anyone with experience of life in a small village, including pie night at the local pub and discussions on the big match, even a story about an escaped alpaca.

To listen to the podcast click here. Be aware that the podcast does contain some bad language.

Perhaps the podcast could be the start of something bigger? Another rural location, the village of Rippingale in south Lincolnshire, is widely believed by many experts to have been the inspiration for BBC radio’s legendary programme The Archers, which has been broadcast since 1951 and is the world’s longest-running drama.