A NEW play by Stephanie Dale, writer of two of Dorset’s successful community plays, uncovers stories of some of the remarkable women from Dorset’s past. Unearthed has its premiere with Dorchester Arts at the Corn Exchange on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th July, followed by two more performances at Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre on Friday 31st July and Saturday 1st August.

Months of research, writing, workshops and casting have gone into the production, by the theatre collective Women of Dorset. Now the cast of 45 women, aged between eight and 82 are preparing to bring it to the stage. It is the story of Sam, a contemporary young woman who finds herself caught up in an extraordinary party. Plied with cake and tea by women from Dorset’s past, she comes to realise that her life is perhaps not as drab and unfulfilling as she previously thought.

Stephanie Dale wrote the 2023 Dorchester community play, Spinning the Moon, set at the end of the Wars of the Roses; and the Poole play Salt (also 2023) which was set between 1681 and the present day, highlighting the historic relationship between Poole and Newfoundland.

With this new Dorset play, she has created a play that aims “to celebrate women who have lived, survived and thrived from across our county.”

Unearthed is directed by Penny Levick, an experienced community play director. She says: “It is inspiring to see the play take shape and come to life off the page.” The designer is photographer Jayne Jackson and the costumes are being made by Arts University Bournemouth students.

Tilda Samson, who takes the pivotal role of Sam, recently took her A levels at Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester: “It’s a big (and slightly scary) project but I’m looking forward to it. I see a lot of myself in Sam, especially her worries about our modern world and her overall sense of humour and attitude. While, unlike the others, Sam’s not yet lived her big moment, she is vital in bringing all the women (and the story) together.”

A crowdfunded has been launched by Women of Dorset to enable the cast and crew to put on the best possible show.
Stephanie said: “We want to illuminate the stages and streets of Dorchester and Poole with the faces of women past and present and celebrate their achievements – and we are hoping people will help us achieve this. Donations will ensure that the community benefits from the highest production values and works with a professional creative team.”

Performances at both venues are at 7.30pm, with a 2.30 Saturday matinee at Dorchester (25th July).

Photographs: More than 40 women from all over Dorset are taking part in Unearthed; Tilda Samson, centre, has the pivotal role of Sam.