The Woe of Roanoke is the epic story of the sordid life of the notorious Scottish cannibal Sawney Bean and his fearsome clan of incestuous savages, who terrorised Scotland for 25 years during the reign of James 1st, which leads onto America’s oldest mystery, when 115 men, women and children disappeared after settling the first English colony at Roanoke. At first the tale is told through the eyes of Sawney’s abused daughter Agnes and then the narrative is overtaken by the tortured notary Thomas Hume.

‘The Woe of Roanoke’ then leaves Scotland and England behind as Wealthy London Merchant Humfrey Dimmock takes up the story, writing aboard ‘The Lion’, which is making passage to America. Dimmock tells of the tensions between the settlers and mariners which is stoked by a strange Scottish boy named Blue Bill Brown. Having been cast ashore Blue Bill is captured by Chief Wanchese, the last known leader of the Roanoke people, for which his blue skin, red hair and green eyes are a source of fascination. Given the Native American name ‘Matwau’ (meaning ‘enemy) Blue Bill stalks the colonists isolated camp who are themselves battling with food and water shortages. After rising to Chieftan of his own tribe, Blue Bill and his barbaric cannibalistic warriors spread fear and dread throughout the new world…

The Woe of Roanoke is a modern epic poem and a masterpiece in gothic horror. Not for the faint hearted.

Written and narrated by Mat Horton.

Music by Herbie Wolf