Directed by Kirstie Davis
“I signed up to fight the Hun, not shoot my mates…” from script by John Foster
After a sell-out performance of John Foster’s gripping courtroom drama, Shot at Dawn, atmospherically staged in Bournemouth Town Hall’s Council Chambers, Doppelganger Productions is launching a Dorset wide tour of the performance in 2016.
This compelling and emotional drama is based on the story of two young men from the Dorsetshire Regiment, on trial for cowardice. The outcome of a guilty verdict? Execution by firing squad.
The touring production will be dramatically brought to life as it is performed in historic courtrooms across Dorset. We are particularly honored to be the last company to perform in the Dorchester Shire Hall this year, as it has now closed to the general public for thorough refurbishments. The audience will be offered the unique chance to explore the Georgian courtroom and cells where the Tolpuddle Martyrs were tried and held, before they reopen next year.
There will also be performances at the magnificent Guildhall in Poole, formerly the town’s Magistrate’s Court; the historic Corn Exchange in Blandford Forum and the intimate Council Chambers in Bridport’s original Town Hall. All the venues reinforce the stark reality that soldiers were denied legal representation and the right of appeal.
John Foster spent time studying the original transcripts from the trials, which were until recently restricted from public access. Now for the first time this material is available, and combined with first-hand eyewitness letters, diaries and accounts, the story reveals how these two heroes were suffering from what we now know as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, yet were condemned to death for their perceived disloyalty.
The strength and originality of this new production has been acknowledged with support from national funding through the Arts Council Grants for the Arts, Heritage Lottery, Big Lottery Fund, West Dorset District Council, Arts University Bournemouth and Poole Borough Council.
With 8 performances in 4 stunning locations, audiences can expect a truly unique piece of theatre with a chance to learn more by attending the programme of talks and Q & A’s. Plus a chance to come along to one of the 4 afternoon Tea Dances, to help build up the Living Memories project of Dorset during the great war.
“Just like that one small bullet-in-the-heart that can take away a life in a second; so this compact one-act play by John Foster packs a lethal punch, not only in the guts and the heart, but also right between the eyes” Jane Skellett
“War changes men forever, and we were forced to acknowledge this by the use of powerful yet lyrical language that lies at the cornerstone of John Foster’s writing. “
Rosie Jones, National Trust Writer in Residence at Kingston Lacy.
Performance Dates: 2016
· Shire Hall, Dorchester, DT1 1UZ – Wed 13 & Thurs 14 April 8pm
Tickets:
· Council Chambers, Bridport Town Hall, DT6 3JP – Thurs 21 & Fri 22 April 8pm
· The Corn Exchange, Blandford Forum, DT11 7AF – Fri 29 & Sat 30 April 8pm
· Guidhall, Poole, BH15 1NF – Wednesday 4 & Thursday 5 May 8pm
Tickets are now available from our website: https://doppelgangerproductions.com
Additional Events:
Post-Show Talks
Q&A’s with the writer, cast and director after every performance.
Tea Dances with the FB Pocket Orchestra
An afternoon of socialising, dancing and tea and cake for all.
Dorchester Corn Exchange, DT1 1HF – Tuesday 12 April, 2-4pm
Bridport Town Hall, DT6 3HA – Friday 22 April, 2:30-4:30pm
Blandford Corn Exchange, DT11 7AF – Monday 25 April, 2-4pm
Poole United Reform Church Hall, BH15 1RQ – Wednesday 27 April, 2pm
Tickets: £3 on the door, or contact 07908 065356 for group discounts.
History Talks
As part of the Living Memories Project, find out more about the original source material, archives, diaries, and letters that inspired the play.
Dorchester History Centre, DT1 1RP – Tuesday 12 April, 7pm
Blandford Town Museum, DT11 7HQ – Wednesday 20 April, 7.30pm
Tickets: £4/3 on the door, or FREE ticket purchased for any performance.
Writer’s Workshop
Led by scriptwriter John Foster, this workshop will explore the source material and provide advice and tips for writers.
Full details to be announced via https://doppelgangerproductions.com
In partnership with:
· Dorchester Arts
· Bridport Arts Centre
· The Lighthouse, Poole
· Blandford Forum WW1 Committee
For all press enquiries, contact Nick Taylor and Felicity Cromack via [email protected] or 07503176092.
Or Project Manager Carol Maund [email protected] 07908065356
