interview – Sophie Neville

Author Sophie Neville is interviewed on her time at the University of Durham

Why did you choose to study at Durham?

The University of Durham was riding at number three on the UK leaderboard when I was taking my A’ levels. I wanted to read Anthropology, looked around Durham Cathedral and immediately felt at home. It contained effigies of my forefathers: Nevilles with their noses cut off by marauding Scotts. My own father had read PPE at Durham in the late 1940s and I was keen on the idea of living in the north east, even though it proved a long drive from where I grew up in Gloucestershire.

What was it like to be a student at Durham? Tell us about college life, the city, your course and any sports or societies you were involved in.

I immediately made great friends at Collingwood College and with others reading Anthropology. Instead of ‘Wednesday Sport’, I took lessons in water-colour painting which stood me in good stead when I turned professional as a wildlife artist in 1993. Although team sports were not my thing, I served as secretary of the Ice Skating Society and rowed in the Collingwood Ladies’ Four under Simon Pelly’s tutorledge, which was fun.

Sophie Neville rowing in the Netherlands 2018 — Sophie Neville rowing in the Netherlands

This equipped me to later join the crew of the Drapers Shallop, rowing the Voga Longa in Venice with the Olympic Gold Medalist Ed Coode and for HM Queen Elizabeth at Henley. I have taken part in other long rows and became a long-distance rider crossing the Namib desert and continent of South America on horses.

Sophie Neville riding across South America to raise funds for charity

What are your fondest memories of your time here?

I joined the operatic society in my first term and enjoyed acting in DUT’s ‘The Three Sisters’, which with took to the National Student Drama Festival in Hull. I then began directing my own productions: a male beauty contest held in the Union Rooms, the pantomime, ‘Aladdin’, ‘Cold Comfort Farm’, and the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ which launched Charles Johnston’s career as an opera singer. Putting on these comedies was hugely enjoyable and firm friendships were made.

Sophie Neville, Alastair Fothergill and Juliet Maddan who helped me put on plays at university

What have you been up to since you left Durham?

Thanks to grabbing the chance to direct plays at Durham, taking time to write programme ideas, and helping Alastair Fothergill make a couple of wildlife films for Look North, I gained a 6-month contract as a researcher on the BBC’s sought-after Graduate Trainee Scheme. After gaining experience on ‘The Book Show’ and the live chat show ‘Russell Harty’, I began casting children for an adaptation of the Arthur Ransome books set on the Norfolk Broads. I found Henry Dimbleby, then aged 13, to play the hero opposite Julian Fellows, Colin Baker and Rosemary Leach and spent three happy months filming in East Anglia. I remained in BBC Drama working on serials such as ‘Doctor Who’, ‘My Family and Other Animals’, and ‘Eastenders‘ while taking a sabbatical to make a documentary for Channel 4 when driving from London to Johannesburg on an expedition led by Charles Mayhew who later set up TUSK.

Alex Ruben and Sophie Neville on Lake Nakuru with a Kenyan film crew — Alex Ruben and Sophie Neville on Lake Nakuru with our Kenyan cameraman

I moved to BBC Schools Television where I worked at Ealing Studios on ‘Through the Dragon’s Eye’, and produced an ‘INSET’ series before directing comedy dramas starring Patsy Byrne.

Sophie Neville not at 10 Downing Street but on the lot at Elstree Studios — Not at 10 Downing Street but on the Lot at Elstree Studios for the BBC Drama Directors’ studio course.

Disaster struck when I collapsed in the office suffering from a mixture of tick bite fever and Asian ‘flu. It took me ten months to recover but I wrote the basis for my first book, ‘Funnily Enough’ while in bed and recovered in South Africa where I brought out a second illustrated memoir about running horseback safaris whilst setting up wildlife films for the BBC Natural History Unit and a ‘Blue Peter Summer Special’.

Whilst at Durham, I spent Friday afternoons learning cartography. I used the skills to create more then forty decorative maps of game reserves in Botswana, Namiba, Zimbabwe and South Africa, which I used to illustrate my travel memoir ‘Ride The Wings of Morning’.

After twelve years in southern Africa, I met my husband at an archery match in the Worcestershire village where I was born and started publishing non-fiction books in the UK. I had appeared in movies as a girl, and having played Titty in the original movie Swallows and Amazons, I have been giving talks, tv and radio interviews on my filmography on ‘The making of Swallows and Amazons’ and other topics. I’ve spoken at numerous literary weekends, book festivals and a massive Doctor Who convention at Riverside Studios in London.

Stephen Yardley, Sophie Neville and Forbes Collins talking about 'Doctor Who' — Stephen Yardley, Sophie Neville and Forbes Collins talking about ‘Doctor Who’

In 2004, I was commissioned to write a WWII feature film set in Tanganyika, Burma and Japan that has won a number of screenwriting awards. I am ready to publish the novel version of this story and the sequel, which is opens on Zanzibar in the heady days before the 1964 revolution. After spending three years researching this historical novel, I discovered the teenage Freddie Mercury was living on the island where his father must have been a prime target for the rebels. I have won ten screenwriting awards for this untold story, which I’m currently polishing.

Sophie Neville filming in the Cotswolds — Sophie filming for Channel 4

How has Durham inspired you to get where you are today? Tell us about any career highlights and achievements.

I used knowledge gained on anthropology and geography courses to establish myself as a horse safari guide in Southern Africa and have drawn on all I learned in ethnography to write my historical novels and screenplays. I began bringing out what I’d hoped were amusing articles at Durham for The Idler magazine, which was launched and edited by Nick Archer, Charles Stewart-Smith and Alastair Fothergill, who have all led stellar careers. They asked me to provide cover illustrations and to help Katie Hawkins with the manual layout. I’ve since had a number of articles in national publications such as the Daily Telegraph, Living, Country Life, and one book serialised in iBelieve magazine.

I became a committed Christian at Durham, am now a volunteer speaker for Bible Society, a member of the Association of Christian Writers and have taken on the PR for our parish church, which gets featured in national papers for its art installations.

What would be your top piece of advice for anyone considering studying at Durham?

A speaker at the Durham Union encouraged anyone wanting to work in television to specialise. I took his advice and specailised in working with children and animals, but should have narrowed this down to horses. My umpire’s certificate in polocrosse (gained at Morton Morrell College, part of WCUC) proved more useful than my Honours degree for gaining a South African visa ! and gave me a lot of fun. I was paid to to film a match for SABC and invited to play for the Northern Transvaal, albeit with the veterans. Aquire an umpire’s certificate – in any sport- whilst at Durham!

Sophie Neville in the Waterberg Polocrosse Team

Why is staying connected to your alumni community important to you? Tell us about anything you have gained from your alumni engagement with Durham.

I have kept up with friends made at Durham easily and naturally. They have been a continual blessing, and appear in my illustrated book Funnily Enough that is now available on audio, paperback and ebook platforms.

Funnily Enough – the paperback with black and white illustrations

Zoom talks on ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons’ hosted by the charity Schoolreaders

On Wednesday 27th November at 3.00pm, I will be giving another talka about ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons’ on a Zoom hosted by the national child literacy charity Schoolreaders.

You can join us by remailing s.glasgow-smith@schoolreaders.org

If you can’t make it, please contact Schoolreaders who can send you a link to the recording.

Since the original film of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ has been out for fifty years, and screened on television more than any other British film, it has a loyal fan base. Paddy Heron of the fundraising charity ‘Children in Read’ says, ‘I have seen that film I don’t know how many times through the decades, with my brother and sisters, with my own kids, and with my grandkids. That film will stand the test of time for ever.’

Jane Whitbread, who founded Schoolreaders ten years ago, tells me that a love of reading is a proven key to future success in life. Around a quarter of all children in England leave primary school unable to read well and yet good literacy improves all round academic achievement. Arthur Ransome’s series of twelve ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books is great for reluctant readers – those who learn to read but fail to develope an interest in books.

Although my handwriting outshone others, I was deeply embarrassed about not being able to read until the age of nine. I battled to crack the code but once through the barrier, soon gained fluency and was captivated by imaginary worlds. Like me, Andrew Harvey said that he was helped by the Arthur Ransome books, “which provided the inspiration to get me through my (undiagnosed) dyslexia.”

Since it was launched ten years ago, Schoolreaders has helped about 80,000 children to read fluently and develop an interest in books by giving them one-to-one support.

It’s clear that lives are transformed by reading. The author David Cooper says: ‘I found Ransome when I was six, and that was a revelation. He wrote with the same high standards as apply to writing for adults, which is why people of all ages are attracted to them. It only took a few chapters of Swallows and Amazons to make me want to be a writer.’

You can watch a precious talk with Schoolreaders on Youtube:

If you could volunteer to listen to children read in school for a year, think of contacting the charity Schoolreaders: www.schoolreaders.org

What are your favourite lines from the 1974 film ‘Swallows and Amazons?’ Screenwriter Brian Sibley’s hilarious Q&A with the cast of the classic movie made in location in the Lake District 50 years ago.

On 6th April, the original cast of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ (1974) gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the film’s release in London with David Wood who wrote the script.

It was unexpectedly amusing as can be seen in this recording kindly brought to us by Lee Pressmen and volunteers of the Cinema Museum where the original movie was shown before we were invited on stage by Brian Sibley.

The cast of 'Swallows and Amazons' (1974) gathered for the 50th Anniversary - photo Lee Pressman of the Cinema Museum — Brian Sibley talks to Simon West, Suzanna Hamilton, Sophie Neville, Sten Grendon, Kit Seymour and screenwriter David Wood – photo Lee Pressman of the Cinema Museum

As soon as self-confessed ‘super fans’ arrived, the venue began to buzz with the question, “What was your favourite line from the film?”

“They’ve got India rubber necks.”

“They’re girls!”

“… must be a retired pirate. He’s working on his devilish plans.”

Sten Grendon, who played Roger, said it was undoubtedly: “I said – ‘Yes’.”

I’ve always liked: “X marks the spot where they ate six missionaries.” Although I often use, “Here we are, intrepid explorers making the first ever voyage into unchartered waters,” I think “I’ve got her. I’ve got her!” is the most appealing.

One viewer on Instagram claimed their favourite line was: “Titty that way.”

What is your favourite line?

Do add your line to the Comments below.

A recording of Brian’s interview with the screenwriter David Wood can be watched on this website here.

Photos of the event can be found on an earlier post on this website here.

For those who couldn’t make it to the Cinema Museum in London, here is a brief profile:

Sophie Neville speaking at the Southampton International Boat Show #SIBS22

Inspirational speaker, Sophie Neville — Southampton International Boat Show 2022

In 2022, Swallow, the dinghy that starred in the original film Swallows and Amazons was on display at the Southampton International Boat Show, greeting families as they arrive.

Sophie Neville who once played Titty Walker with her good little ship

Sophie Neville gave talks on filming afloat and the movie was made on location in the Lake District fifty years ago.

Over 103,000 people visit the show. Although busy, it did not feel crowded. There is a lot to see and do.

Speaker Sophie Neville — Sophie Neville speaking on the Foredeck Stage at #SIBS22

Thanks to the help of excellent technicians, presentations proved popular, with ‘inspiring talks on the Foredeck Stage’.

On the cover or Britain’s bestselling boating magazine

Sophie signed copies of ‘The Making of Swallows and Amazons‘ at Future Publishing’s corner stand.

“It was a great opportunity to meet film fans, readers and feature writers.”

Nick Jeffery the yacht publicist with Sophie Neville at the Southampton Boat Show

You can find a four-page feature on Swallow in Practical Boat Owner magazine.

A 4-page feature article in the bestselling magazine Practical Boat Owner

You can apply to The Arthur Ransome Society to take Swallow or Amazon out yourself on the Norfolk Broads next summer.

Sophie Neville with *Swallow* from *Swallows and Amazons (1974)*

If you are unable to get to the Southampton International Boat Show this year, you can watch an in-depth interview released this week by Your Take:

Your Take interview Sophie Neville on Zoom

Sophie Neville interviewed by Jadzia Smeaton on The Making of Swallows and Amazons (1974)

Sophie Neville author of The Making of Swallows and Amazons — Sophie Neville

What is most memorable about the making of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ for you?

I love exploring the places Arthur Ransome features in his stories. We were privileged to live out the pages of the book on location in the Lake District, but sailing in nothing but a short cotton dress and a pair of navy blue gym knickers was decidedly chilly – we earned our passage.

Would you consider Susan to be an influence on Titty within the story?

Susan made camping on the island possible. Suzanna Hamilton, the remarkable British actress who played Susan in the original film of ‘Swallows and Amazons’, became our rock without becoming prim or losing the joy and excitement of adventure. She went on to play leading roles in a number of major movies including ‘Out of Africa’ opposite Meryl Streep and ‘1984’ with John Hurt and Richard Burton. She is still working on cutting edge productions and recently had a guest appearance in ‘Eastenders’.

Is there anything you think should always be included in different versions of ‘Swallows and Amazons’?

You must feature the green parrot! It’s vital to enter the world of a 9-12 year old child, capturing the trepidation. It would be interesting to adapt Arthur Ransome’s books without featuring adults, or only including them as shadowy facilitators.

How did you feel about playing a part where you were able to be the cunning and playful younger sister?

In real life, I was the elder of three sisters so took on the roles of both John and Susan. Playing Titty felt something of a release. I was freed from the responsibility of taking the helm.

Titty is well-read and bright, creative and imaginative but I wouldn’t call her cunning. She longs to be alone on the island to experience what it was like to be Robinson Crusoe, which is why she volunteers to stay behind to light the candles, but is that a cunning plot? She is an innocent.

What was your favourite line in Swallows and Amazons?

Titty’s lines are challenging and can only be uttered with humour and an acceleration of charm. I rather enjoyed, ‘X marks the spot where we ate six missionaries’, although I don’t think it can be found in the book. ‘Thank you so much for letting us see your lovely serpent’ would probably be disallowed these days.

Did you have a favourite scene?

Finding the lighthouse tree was a short sequence that worked well. We shot it on the banks of Derwentwater towards the end of the filming. But I most enjoyed our day with the charcoal burners. They were wonderful.

What did you enjoy most about filming in the Lake District?

We loved High Force, the waterfall, and exploring the mossy woodlands. Secret Harbour on Peel Island is very special, as is One Tree Island where we found the treasure.

Do you feel that you and your character influenced children?

Even now, nearly 48 years after the film was released, I receive correspondence from people telling me how the original film of ‘Swallows and Amazons’ influenced their lives or helped carry them through a tough patch. It is always wonderful to hear how Titty has inspired others.

Maurice Thomas who used to live in Cockermouth wrote: ‘My mum and my Auntie Gladys took me to see this little children’s flick in 1974/5 as it was a double bill with ‘The Railway Children‘. I remember ‘The Railway Children‘ reasonably fondly, but ‘Swallows & Amazons‘ had me utterly mesmerised.’

If you were to give any advice to actors wanting to perform in ‘Swallows and Amazons’ what would it be?

Visit the locations. Go to Bank Ground Farm and run, fast, down the field to dip your hands in the lake as Arthur Ransome did as a child. Capture that feeling and carry it with you as you sing out the lines.

And be prepared for the impact the story will have. It could follow you all your life.