Dorchester will be hosting a free theatre trail to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Dorset residents are being urged not to miss a 'unique' experience as local actors and scriptwriters revive the incredible stories collected of life in Dorchester in the run-up to D-Day.

The commemorative 'Dorchester D-Day: Immersive Theatre Trail' will take place in Dorchester town centre on Saturday, June 8, between 1pm and 4pm.

Attendees to the event can walk around the town centre to seven locations to see seven different short performances and experience the town when American troops, known as GIs, were stationed in the area.

Matilda Manley, tourism development officer at Dorchester Town Council, said: “The population of Dorchester and the surrounding villages swelled with the influx of American GIs in the run up to D-Day.

READ: Full schedule of D-Day 80th anniversary events in Dorchester

"Tanks lined the streets, soldiers filled the pubs, war time romances flourished at dances and children enjoyed the sweets handed out by the American soldiers.

"Officers were positioned at Keep Military Museum.

"Despite objections from the Dorchester community, the American military insisted on keeping the black and white GIs separated whilst they stayed in the area.

"However, there are wonderful stories of friendships, parties and sharing of songs and stories between the Black GIs and Dorchester residents to remember.” 

Dorset Echo: D-Day theatre trail map for Dorchester D-Day commemorations D-Day theatre trail map for Dorchester D-Day commemorations (Image: Dorchester Town Council)

Using a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Dorchester Town Council has worked with history students from Bournemouth University to learn more about life in Dorchester at the time.

READ: The Keep Military Museum has been handed a precious D-Day diary

The students looked at archives from Dorset History Centre and The Keep Military Museum, as well as memories sent in by members of the public.

The research was then passed on to creative director Penny Levick who has worked with local scriptwriters and community actors to create the seven unique performances.

The performances:

  • Stage 1 – ‘Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain’ A charming and amusing tale of American GIs navigating British life during WWII.
    • Tom Browns, 47 High East Street.
    • Performances at: 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.10pm, 3pm
  • Stage 2 – ‘I’ll Be Seeing You’. In preparation for D Day Dorchester welcomed thousands of American troops, including many African Americans. This one man show explores the impact of this moment in history through a heartfelt story of love, loss and a search for identity.
    • The King’s Arms, 30 High East Street.
    • Performances at: 1pm, 2pm, 2.40pm, 3.10pm
  • Stage 3 – ‘Caught the bug’ In the Dorchester Steam Laundry Company the ladies are working twice as hard as the town is twice as full. But who left a stocking behind the bins? Who was spotted kissing a GI? And will they master the jitterbug steps before the dance?
    • Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, High West Street.
    • Performances at: 1.40pm, 2.20pm, 2.50pm, 3.10pm
  • Stage 4 – ‘The Box’. Six children have a box with something secret in… What have those generous American soldiers given them this time?
    • Borough Gardens, Big low tree by the playground.
    • Performances at: 12pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm
  • Stage 5 – ‘Waiting for D-Day’. An ex-soldier looks back at his younger self and the weeks in which he was stationed in Dorchester, waiting for debarkation and the biggest fight of his life.
    • Bowling Alley Walk, by the tennis courts.
    • Performances at: 13:40, 14:20, 14:50, 15:10
  • Stage 6 – ‘Which way’s the way to Weymouth’ A slapstick comedy following two bumbling military policemen tasked with directing convoys to the Normandy beaches, all while contending with a cantankerous farmer and his wayward cows.
    • Drey Horse Yard, Brewery Square outside Pizza Express.
    • Performances at: 1.20pn, 2pm, 2.40pm, 3.20pm
  • Stage 7 – ‘Market Square’. “Then the yanks came and upset all the apple carts!” The market square is buzzing with gossip and news. Something big is coming….
    • Brewery Square, in the main square.
    • Performances at: 1pm, 1.40pm, 2.10pm, 3pm