A FORMER barman at Poole Lighthouse, who dreamt of one day returning to take to the stage, will soon achieve that goal.

This month, Josh Tucker returns to Lighthouse with his own theatre company to work on a new piece that he hopes to premiere in Poole before going out on tour.

Josh and fellow East 15 Acting School graduate Lucy Yates are at Lighthouse from August 23 to 27 to work on their script The Misadventures of Michael Recycle as part of the SANCTUARY artist development residency.

Josh said: “SANCTUARY is such an amazing opportunity to be in an artistic environment and work on new work without any boundaries.

“I’ve known Lighthouse all my life – I grew up in Poole, was at the Jellicoe Theatre and went to Baden Powell School. We did some school things at Lighthouse, and I was there with Poole & Parkstone Productions, and of course I worked behind the bar.

“I love being in an artistic environment so to be coming back to Lighthouse to work on a piece is a thrill.

He added: “I hope it’s the start of a fruitful relationship – it’s a great place that does some really interesting things. Plus, it’s a ten-minute walk from my parents’ house.”

The Misadventures of Michael Recycle is a musical based on Lucy’s developing script that addresses the climate crisis aimed at younger audiences.

“We pitched it as a children’s show,” explains Josh, “although we’re very aware that when we get in the room it might change and shift.

“I like the idea of a children’s show that we could take to theatre or even into schools as they are the people who will have the impact in the future that will hopefully make a difference.”