The Eastern Angles cast crewing the Nancy Blackett. Photo: Peter Willis.

The cast of Eastern Angles’ production of “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea” took a few hours out of rehearsals on Thursday to literally learn the ropes.

They visited the Nancy Blackett – Arthur Ransome’s own boat and the original of the Goblin in the book (and play) – at Woolverstone Marina to find out how it felt aboard the Goblin and how such a boat is sailed.

Joel Sams (who plays John), Rosalind Steele (Susan), Matilda Howe (Titty) and Christopher Buckley (Roger) explored the ship, hoisted sails and launched and retrieved the anchor, under instruction from skipper Ian McGlynn, before setting off for a short sail on the River Orwell. Mercifully they returned, rather than heading off in the direction of Holland.

The play opens on 22nd June at the Hush House, Bentwaters Park near Woodbridge, before transferring outdoors to Nene Park, Peterborough on 13th July. For further details and tickets see the Eastern Angles website.

Get the full picture – view our photo album of the day on Flickr, as well as the Eastern Angles’ own album.