A UNIQUE outdoor performance, inspired by the long history and unique wildlife on Brownsea Island, is being staged on the island this weekend.

Part of the celebrations to mark the island’s 50 years with the National Trust, the promenade play South Deep to Blood Alley involves a number of larger than life characters, including six foot squirrels and giant peacocks.

Audiences are taken on a theatrical journey from the moment they step on the boat as the enchanted island is brought to life with original song, film, soundscape and performance both on land and at sea.

Performances of South Deep to Blood Alley are at 11am and 4pm from Saturday, May 5 to Monday 7.

Expect squirrels, comedy, music, more squirrels, Vikings, a hermit, Marconi and the telegraph, thousands of daffodils blowing in the breeze, scouts and refugees, bird spotters, peacocks, swimmers, Prospero adrift on the wrong island and in the wrong show, lovers meeting and never leaving and the ever present figure of the last private owner who fought so hard to let the island run wild.

The performance starts with the ferry journey from Poole Quay – the cost of the ferry is included in the ticket price.

Visitors are advised to dress for the weather and be prepared for a good walk and to consider bringing sensible shoes, binoculars and a water bottle.

National Trust creative producer Anthony Waller said: “The show will take people out and about across the island – which is what we want to do with the rest of our celebrations this year, get people out into the often less well visited places, discover the stories from the island’s history and bring the whole island to life.”

The play is part of a series of celebrations which include an alternative guide to the island which guides visitors to find art installations deep in the woods.