A NEW play on a pioneering Dorset fossil hunter is going on tour to Dorset libraries this February half-term.

AsOne Theatre Company is taking Mary Anning's Fossil Depot to libraries including Weymouth and Dorchester next week.

Performances are part of the company's Library Live project, which is funded by Crowdfunder.

The play is written by Peter John Cooper and is inspired by the true 19th Century story of Dorset’s own, and Britain’s first, female palaeontologist Mary Anning.

Mary Anning Fossil Depot is an, entertaining performance, packed-full of interactive fun, facts, & adventure on the Jurassic Coast. In Anning’s Fossil Depot, Mary, aided and abetted by her brother Joseph, looks back at an inspiring life led with a passion for hunting & understanding fossils; as well as struggles with poverty & self-education.

This special story is interwoven by a string of ‘curios’ – small fossils which Mary and Joseph introduce for the children to handle and introducing Percy the Plesiosaur, and the latest device for scientific observation.

AsOne's Library Live has also received a matched funding grant from Arts Council England - the National Lottery, which enables the company to provide free access to live theatre at their own local library.

The performance running time is approximately 50 mins and there will be a post show Q & A with characters. Mary Anning's Fossil Depot is aimed at five to 12- year olds and will be enjoyed by all the family.

*Mary Anning's Fossil Depot is at Gillingham Library on Tuesday, February 13 at 2:30pm, Christchurch Library on Wednesday, February 14 at 10.30am, Bridport Library on Thursday, February 15 at 10.30am, Weymouth Library on Friday February 16 at 10.30am and Dorchester Library on Saturday, February 17 at 10.30am. Space is limited. Call 01305 835541 to reserve your seats – children go free, tickets cost £8 for adults.