FROM Weymouth… to Weymouth, a one of a kind theatre production honouring the community is to be showcased next month at the Pavilion Theatre.
Singer-songwriter John West wrote the musical ‘Trusting in the Waves: From Old England to New England’ to commemorate major historical milestones for both Weymouth, Dorset and Weymouth, Massachusetts.
The Dorset musician will be raising money for the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) with the one-off concert on Monday, June 13.
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Audiences will witness a unique visual production celebrating 400 years since the founding of Weymouth, MA as well as the 450th anniversary of Melcombe Regis merging with ‘old’ Weymouth to form our present-day town.
The musical will tell the story of the Little Ship that sailed out of Weymouth Harbour to establish the town of Weymouth in America.
John West, a folk musician by trade, explained that the story was self-penned during lockdown.
He said: “During the pandemic, I was given the perfect opportunity to put together this show in the downtime I had in lockdown.
“Weymouth in Massachusetts got its name from the one hundred or so migrants who sailed from Weymouth Harbour here in Dorset to find a new beginning on the east coast of America.
“Supporting the JST seemed very appropriate as it shows how experiences at sea can help strengthen our resolve to overcome challenges in all our lives.”
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The JST gives people of mixed abilities and circumstances the freedom to explore their ability, potential and place in the world through adventures at sea aboard its tall ship, Tenacious.
CEO Patrick Fleming, was thrilled to hear that the Weymouth-inspired musical will be raising vital funds for charity.
He said: “This is a great story that John has put to music for people across Dorset and it’s wonderful to hear that all the money gained from ticket sales will be shared between us and the Weymouth Tudor House Museum. This comes at a particularly good time for the JST as we are currently in the middle of an emergency campaign to keep our charity afloat.
“We’ve had incredible support so far, and this charity concert will be an incredible help.”
For full details of John West’s concert and to book tickets, visit https://weymouthpavilion.com/shows/trusting-in-the-waves/.
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