Dorchester D-Day: Immersive Theatre Trail

Dorchester played a big part in the preparations for D-Day. The population of Dorchester and the surrounding villages swelled with the influx of American GI’s in the run up to the event. 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 GI’s separated whilst they stayed in the area. However, there are wonderful stories of friendships, parties and sharing of songs and stories between the Black GI’s and Dorchester residents to remember.

Do not miss this unique, free experience as local actors and scriptwriters revive incredible stories collected of life in Dorchester in the run-up to D-Day. Travel back in time and experience Dorchester when American GI soldiers were stationed in and around the town and when anticipation and gossip was building about the big secret operation.

Walk around Dorchester town centre to seven unique locations seven different short performances. Each performance showcases a different event or experience, based on real memories and historic accounts of Dorchester. Pick which performances spark your interest or catch them all!

• 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: 13:00, 13:40,14:10,15:00
• 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: 13:20, 14:00, 14:40, 15:10
• 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: 13:40, 14:20, 14:50, 15:10
• 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: 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:30
• 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: 13:20, 14:00, 14:40, 15:20
• 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: 13:00, 13:40, 14:10, 15:00