AFTER the huge success of last summer’s sell-out community play The Tempest of Lyme, the Marine Theatre is currently working on a spectacular new production, Monmouth.

The play will be a re-telling of the events of the Monmouth Rebellion, which began on Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis in 1685 (and, for some of the local rebels, also gruesomely ended there).

It is currently being written by writer for stage and screen Andrew Rattenbury (Doc Martin; EastEnders) and directed by Clemmie Reynolds: the team that – with a little help from Shakespeare, brought us The Tempest of Lyme.

Last summer an audience of 1000 people enjoyed the community production.

The play involved over 70 local people of all ages helping with all aspects of the play, from performing to music, costumes, props and backstage, working with a team of professional theatre directors and musicians.

Director Clemmie Reynolds said: “This year we anticipate Monmouth to be bigger and better than ever.

“Dozens of locals have already signed up and I am excited to be working again with writer Andrew Rattenbury, and in partnership with Arts University Bournemouth placing third year costume and set design students within the production.”

In the build-up to the play, the Marine has arranged a ‘Monmouth Events’ series, of talks, events and film screenings on the historical background of the play taking place between February and through the spring.

The rebellion was an attempt in the West Country to overthrow James II.

Protestants under the Catholic King protested against his ruling. An illegitimate son of Charles II, James Scott, the 1st Duke of Monmouth, challenged his rule. The Duke was hugely popular in the South West and so he landed there first, in Lyme Regis on June 11, 1685 to gather troops for the rebellion.

n If you would like to be involved in the production, on stage or behind it, email officeassistant@marinetheatre.com. Initial casting workshops are due to take place on January 26 and February 2.