A HUGE community play featuring around 100 people has been occupying the streets of Poole in an immersive performance.
SALT, Poole’s large-scale community play produced by Lighthouse, involves professionals and amateurs from across the town.
Co-directors, Lynne Forbes and Tamsin Fessey, conceived, created and directed SALT, and said the project is "a first of its kind".
“A local story in Poole, about Poole, for Poole!” said Lynne.
“It’s the biggest ensemble we have ever worked with.”
“The cast is so diverse, from age, ability and culture,” said Tamsin.
Zayan Chima, nine, is the youngest participant in the performance, playing the ship's cabin boy, Billy Strewd.
Professional actor Anthony Barrett, 86, is the oldest participant and plays Admiral Warland.
Anthony said he has "loved the whole experience", adding that he has enjoyed working alongside his wife, Jane Bull.
“Everyone loves the producers,” said Anthony.
“They are so patient with us,” added Jane.
Jane plays the Admiral’s wife, and as a previous graphic designer has been involved in prop making, specifically hand-sewing fish.
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“I’ve made lots of new friends, people who I live near to but have never met before,” said Jane.
“Everyone is so happy and positive.”
The performance highlights the history of Poole as well as exploring what it means to leave your homeland behind.
The story begins with a group of fishermen in 1681, preparing for a treacherous journey from Poole to Newfoundland.
The audience are then introduced to a teenager in 2023 getting to grips with starting a new life in London.
The script was specially commissioned by Stephanie Dale and costumes have been designed and made by students at Arts University Bournemouth.
Puppets are by Poole-based theatre maker Heidi Steller and original music by Tom Sharkett of band W H Lung.
Renowned Dorset folk musician Tim Laycock is musical director and Michelle Nova of La Nova Singers is choir leader.
The play is being at Lighthouse until Sunday, July 30, with street scenes played out in Poole’s Old Town and High Street on the Friday and Saturday.
Tickets for SALT can be found on Lighthouse Poole’s website.
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