A PAIR of socks so drenched in seawater that they ‘stood up like a pair of Wellington boots’ are the inspiration behind the latest play to be staged at the Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis.

The Mysterious and Fantastical Wartime Tale of the Salty Socks of Dunkirk is being performed by Shanty Theatre Company, who have thrown themselves into the local community and are involving youth groups and older people in their heart-warming tale of life on the home front.

The story is inspired by a true one – that of a young boy who sailed across to Dunkirk to help with the evacuation of soldiers.

On his return, it is said his woollen footwear was so thick with seawater they stood up on its own.

This summer is the fourth year that Devon-based Shanty are the performers in residence at the marine and co-founder Tim Bell is delighted to be back.

“Coming to Lyme just gets better and better,” he said. “We like telling stories about small local communities and this one is about how people at home dealt with the advent of the war and how it affected them.

“So much has been written about what happened on the frontline and the beaches, but there’s a story to be told about the small rural communities back here and how they coped.

“This is the first time we have told a story that comes from living memory.”

As part of Shanty’s residence in Lyme, the directors and performers have been working with Year 10 pupils at Woodroffe School, helping them put together a Voices of History project.

The students were given dictaphones and they went out into Lyme Regis recording people’s experiences of the Second World War.

“We spent time in the school working with the children and helping them turn their research into drama,” said Tim. “They have made a display for the Marine Theatre foyer where they have set up an old chair and audio equipment so people can sit and hear the stories they have found.

“There is also an area where people can record their own memories and stories.”

He added: “It has been really rewarding and it is also a way of keeping memories alive. Our generation’s grandparents can remember the war, but when they have gone there is a very real danger that their memories will be lost. Now at least, we have these ones collected by the Woodroffe pupils.”

Next week, Shanty will be working Lyme Youth Theatre and youngsters at the Lyme Regis Cadets’ Training Camp and then between August 26 and 29 they will be working with people aged 18 and over.

Shanty Theatre was established four years ago by Tim and artistic director Harry Long.

Salty Socks has a cast of four actors – Sam Martin, Amy Tweed, Ben Tolley and Kate Adams – and is perfect family viewing for the summer.

“We have had a really good response from our audiences,” said Tim. “People have enjoyed the show and have laughed where they were meant to and also been moved by the pathos of parts of the story.

“The play has lovely music and something that all the family can enjoy.”

You can see salty Sock at the marine Theatre, Lyme Regis every day except Mondays until September 4. Times vary and for full details, ticket prices and information about Shanty’s workshop schedule, call 01297 442394 or email lyt@ marinetheatre.com After the marine residency, Salty Socks will tour Dorset as part of the Artsreach autumn season.