Basingstoke Mysteries
A Community Play for Basingstoke
Starring Basingstoke's residents - past and present!

Written by the people of Basingstoke and James Barry

The Basingstoke Mysteries took place on the weekend of 19 and 20 July 2003, at the Grange Barn in Basingstoke. Rehearsals began in April 2003 and over 100 participants from the local community took part alongside professional actors, musicians, directors and writer.

The Basingstoke Mysteries was a community play by and for the people of Basingstoke which took a light-hearted look at the myths and legends surrounding the town. It was a partnership project between proteus, the Haymarket Theatre and Traditional Arts Projects (TAPS) and was funded by the Regional Arts Lottery Programme, Hampshire County Council Arts Projects Fund, Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council New Initiative Fund and sponsored by Basingstoke Gazette.

A selection of comments made by audience, participants and the press:

"Excellent performance - kids especially loved the experience and families must have enjoyed learning about the town. Well Done!"

"Feel proud to have been a part of it. Excellent fun and educational as well"

"We think that we have probably just been through one of the most exciting parts of our primary school life. It has been really brilliant"
Pupils from St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Basingstoke

"A wonderful community performance! A brilliantly written play. My son's first acting experience - fantastic!"

"Historic Grange Barn at Basing House in Old Basing proved to be a fantastic venue for a memorable and very special show. The project encapsulates the true sense of community spirit"
Basingstoke Gazette 25 July 2003

The Actors

Derek MCCormack
Andrea Seale
David Weller

The Musicians

Roy Eccles
Martin Kennard
Ann Sronehouse
Barry Wake
Roger Wheble

The Production Team

Director - Deborah Wilding
Writer - James Barry
Designer - Sam Pine
Production Manager - Lou Cobbold
Technical Manager - Simon Freakley
Wardrobe Supervisor - Sharon Rogers

Plus Basingstoke's residents!