Hermitix CODE: DAMP - Supernatural Sitcoms, Humour, and Horror with Sophie Sleigh-Johnson
Jan 29, 2025
Sophie Sleigh-Johnson, a Southend-on-Sea based writer and lecturer at Goldsmiths College, dives into the esoteric intertwining of British sitcoms and folklore. She discusses how seaside towns inspire humor and nostalgia while exploring the peculiar nature of time in television. The conversation highlights the impact of high-definition media on our emotional experiences and critiques the formulaic nature of modern sitcoms. Sophie also touches on the challenges faced by creative individuals in today's media landscape and previews an upcoming event connecting myth and fiction.
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Sitcoms as a Lens
- British sitcoms, particularly those featuring Leonard Rossiter, act as a lens through which to view existence.
- They explore different ways of living, offering insights relevant to everyone regardless of their familiarity with British TV.
Seaside Towns and Sitcom Sets
- Sophie Sleigh-Johnson and the podcast host discuss the atmosphere of seaside towns, comparing them to sitcom sets.
- They evoke a sense of being out of place and time, much like the experience of watching a cheaply produced sitcom.
Dampness as a Medium
- Dampness, for Sleigh-Johnson, is a medium of history, a transformative force linking writing and experience.
- It connects the Essex marshes, cuneiform tablets, and the sitcom "Rising Damp," suggesting dampness as a conduit for time travel.