The Other Side of the Ice: Sprague Theobald’s Northwest Passage at Lyme Public Hall

In 2009, Hadlyme resident Sprague Theobald, an award-winning documentary filmmaker, actor and expert sailor, set out with a small crew on a 57-foot trawler to find and navigate the infamous Northwest Passage, the Arctic Sea route connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. Since its discovery in the 1800’s, many have died trying to navigate this ship-killing shorter route between the oceans. Theobald faced a journey filled with danger from ice and severe weather as well as personality clashes that threatened to tear the crew apart. In completing the Passage, he and his crew became only the 24th non-military craft to navigate the route since Roald Amundsen’s first successful crossing in 1906. Theobald’s Emmy Award-winning documentary, “The Other Side of The Ice,” chronicled his five-month, 8000-mile trip through the high Arctic. Come meet this extraordinary neighbor and hear his first-hand recollections of the harrowing journey: tales of survival, adventure and, finally, redemption. This special presentation is free and all are welcome!

Theobald started his professional acting career at the age of eighteen with his debut in summer stock at the renowned Hampton Playhouse in New Hampshire. From there, his work took him to Washington, D.C., Boston, New York City and ultimately Los Angeles. Along the way, he studied with Lee Strasberg, Patsy Rodenburg and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. In the mid-’90s, Theobald took a “part-time” job on a documentary. Twenty-five years and two Emmy Awards later, for “The 25th Defense: End of An Era” and “The Other Side of The Ice,” Theobald has returned to his first passion, acting. He can be seen in two upcoming independent films: “Is It A Crime” and “The Cabin” as well as “Bull,” “Law & Order: SVU” and AppleTV’s new hit series, “Extrapolations.”

Lyme Public Hall is at 249 Hamburg Road (Route 156) in Lyme. Parking available behind building.

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