Dorchester D-Day immersive theatre trail a success

A series of theatrical performances highlighted what life was like in the town in the lead up to D-Day across seven locations. 

Officers briefing American GIs about life in Dorset at the Dorchester D-Day theatre trail (Image: Andy Jones)

It began at Tom Brown's where a performance was given of a British officer giving instructions to American GIs on what to expect from life in Dorset. 

Just up the hill, a solo performance which explored a heartfelt story of love, loss and a search for identity. This performance centred around the shock residents felt as African American GIs were segregated from their comrades under the Jim Crow Law.

At the Dorset Museum and Art Gallery the women of wartime Dorchester's world was explored.

Actors in Brewery Square taking part in the Dorchester D-Day theatre trail throughout the town (Image: Andy Jones)

Speaking about why the town council wanted to put on the theatre trail, Matilda Manley, the council's tourism development officer said: "We talk a lot about Hardy and our Roman history in town and this trail is important because of the 80th anniversary, but we have nothing for WWII in the town. 

"It is good to remember the African American GIs - we are getting more diverse as a town - and it is appropriate for the times."

From left: Arabella Calvert-Lee, Saffie Slater, Amelia Woodhouse, Phoenix Cree, Solar Cree and Lars Woodhouse (Image: Andy Jones)

In the Borough Gardens visitors were treated to a performance by six school children which told the story about the generosity of US troops - and the sweets they handed out.

One of the children performing, Amelia Woodhouse, said: "It's been really lovely. 

"It's really good (to tell the story of D-Day) we do it at school and it is amazing what they did.

"It is good that the story is true and not made up - we even used the original sweets they had."

The Decadettes Jo Lea (L), Alex Best (C) and Anna Maria Geare (R) (Image: Andy Jones)

Further down in the gardens, The Decadettes were treating people to the sound of the 1940s with their musical performance.

Young Olivia Tuck was enjoying the trail and wants the town to put on more performances like it.

Olivia Tuck at Dorchester D-Day theatre trail (Image: Andy Jones)

She added: "If they did more I would be outside more, I like it when the town does stuff like this.  

Down Bowling Alley Walk there was another solo performance, this time recounting the story of a former solider looking back at his younger self waiting to set off for D-Day.

Entering Brewery Square a comedy performance told the story of two military police officers and their task of directing the convoys heading for Normandy.

The Jeep used as a prop for the performance was provided by the Butcher family who have supported D-Day commemorations for generations. 

Joe Butcher said: "It is something our family has always done.

Joe and and Kevin Butcher alongside their original US Army jeep (Image: Andy Jones)

"My grandparents John and Poppy started the Weymouth Veterans Festival and our family is part of the legacy of supporting D-Day.

"My grandfather was 17 on D-Day, doing guard duty on Ferry Bridge, and seeing all those soldiers pass through left an impression on him and made it his life's mission to tell the story."

The final performance along the trail ended in the centre of Brewery Square where a mix of men, woman and children sang a song which mirrored the gossip and buzz that filled the square during the lead up to D-Day.