Rehearsals are well underway, costumes have been fitted and lines (almost) learned – which is just as well as the opening night of 'Spinning the Moon', Dorchester's record-breaking community play, is just a month away!

Dorchester has a proud history of community plays dating back to 1985 and this will be its seventh – believed to be a record with no other town having achieved this many,

What makes this play even more special for everyone involved is that it was due to be performed in 2020, but was brought to a grinding halt three weeks before opening night by the first coronavirus lockdown.

'Spinning the Moon', which opens at the Thomas Hardye Theatre in Dorchester on Tuesday, April 4, is set around Wolfeton House, near Dorchester, at the end of the Wars of the Roses. 

Battlescarred Lord Trenchard returns home, only to find that his lands have been mismanaged by his steward and the family faces ruin.

The steps taken to save the family finances affect everyone who lives on their land and, as the play unfolds, we see fortunes rise and fall as local society implodes.

Add into the mix some less than brotherly monks from Abbotsbury, along with a bunch of cunning women looking to improve their position by fair means or foul, a devious servant and a completely unexpected visitation from far-flung places – and you have an utterly captivating play that blends history with fiction and tells its tale of poignancy and drama with power and humour.

There are more than 90 performers of all ages and experiences taking part; some have appeared in previous plays and others haven't stood on a stage since school productions many years ago.

The play is written by Stephanie Dale, directed by Peter Leslie Wild, movement director is Penny Levick and the musical director is Tim Laycock, assisted by Alastair Simpson.

The play is being staged by Dorchester Community Plays Association (DCPA) who would like to thank everyone for their help, support and vital sponsorship that has made the play possible.

DCPA chair Rowan Seymouth said: "I can't believe we are actually here, that the play is going to happen. Three years ago we were in despair when Covid hit and we had to 'down tools', but now I can't describe how brilliant the atmosphere is. 

"A lot of hard work has gone into getting us this far and we can't thank everyone enough, especially all the local firms and supporters who have given us such wonderful support, financially and in other ways.

"Now all we need is an audience! So please, buy your tickets and come and see this amazing show we have created."

'Spinning the Moon' is at Thomas Hardye Theatre, from Tuesday, April 4 to Thursday, April 6 at 7.30pm, on Saturday, April 8 at 2.30pm, and at 7.30pm from Monday, April 10 to Saturday, April 15.

Tickets are £16 plus concessions and family rates available from Dorchester Arts in High East Street – call 01305 266926 or visit dorchesterarts.org.uk

This is a promenade performance, and audience tickets are standing only. If you have specific accessibility requirements (such as mobility, audio or visual needs), please contact Dorchester Arts in advance and we will endeavour to accommodate you.