The RNLI's history is full of dramatic twists and turns – and Alan Tyson's mission to weave them into a play is an interesting yarn in itself

‘Now hear ye all of this, good men of Bamburgh,’ shouted the cloaked man over the rumble of storm thunder. The audience peered into the darkness. What came next was history in the making: he announced plans for a local lifesaving service. It was the opening chapter of a story that ends with the RNLI as we know it today.

Two hours later, after an emotional journey, the audience filled collection buckets and filed out of the hall into the village. This wasn’t 18th-century Bamburgh in Northumberland, but 21st-century Cranham, a tiny community in Gloucestershire. The play they had just seen – Out of the Mist – brought key moments in the RNLI’s history to the stage: the first days of lifeboating, the formation of the RNLI and the deeds of famous rescuers. Four performances raised £4,000 for the RNLI. Now the play could become a full theatre production.

Retired father of three Alan Tyson (pictured), who wrote Out of the Mist, spent much of his career at seaports as a customs officer, but it was a sailing trip with a family friend in 2001 that gave him his first face-to-face experience of the RNLI. Royal Marine Jason Ward had been posted to Norway and planned to sail there. Alan accompanied Jason along with some other pals, and they were sailing off the Norfolk coast when the Great Yarmouth and Gorleston RNLI all-weather lifeboat drew close.

‘They explained that they had been out training when they saw us in dangerous shallow water,’ says Alan. ‘They kindly escorted us to the station and showed us around. It made me realise that lifeboat crews are unsung heroes: all down-to-earth, and extremely professional.’

After leaving a donation with the lifeboat crew, Jason and Alan continued their journey across the North Sea, each carrying a lasting memory of the selflessness of lifeboat crew members. Jason championed the RNLI for the rest of his life, which was sadly ended 2 years later. He was killed in a helicopter crash while serving in the Iraq War. Salcombe lifeboat crew scattered his ashes at sea – a request from Jason’s family that remembered his support for the RNLI.

‘That whole experience really planted a seed of support for the RNLI that grew and grew,’ says Alan. 'I initially wanted to create a small presentation that would help raise funds, but, as I read about the history, it fast became a stage docu-drama. There were some times when I thought I would never finish the play – but I got a lot of support from my family and friends.’ Among those who encouraged Alan was marine biologist Monty Halls, Jason Ward’s best friend (see the Lifeboat Summer 2009 for more on Monty and the RNLI). ‘Monty gave me some valuable advice,’ recalls Alan, ‘which was “just persevere”.’

After 6 months of perseverance The Cranham Players – 10 adults and 6 children from the village – were ready to take to the stage, earning plaudits and crucial RNLI funds. Now Alan has submitted Out of the Mist for production at the Cheltenham Playhouse Theatre in July 2011. He also hopes other RNLI supporters will put the play on in their local venues. ‘What I’d really like to do is raise more money for the RNLI with the play,’ he explains. ‘I can provide the script and other guidance to anyone who would like to put Out of the Mist on themselves. It’s a different, wonderful way to get the community together and raise funds.’

If you would like more information about putting on a production of Out of the Mist, email the playwright himself at [email protected].