History will be made on the streets of Poole this summer as Lighthouse hosts the town's first ever community play - and more than 100 local people are wanted to take part. 

Produced by Lighthouse and created by Angel Exit Theatre, SALT is set between 1681 and the present day and shines a light on the Newfoundland trade that was at its height from the mid-17th century until the mid-19th century and saw Poole sailors bring salt cod from Newfoundland to the ports of Spain, Portugal and Italy, and return with salt, olive oil and wine. 

By the end of the 17th century many Dorset families had settled in Newfoundland, economic migrants from rural and coastal poverty in search of new lives in a new land, and the play focuses on the first brave women who made the treacherous voyage to a hostile land to settle. 

The themes of what it means to belong and what it means to leave your homeland are woven into a story with contemporary characters developed by playwright Stephanie Dale through community workshops that overlaps with the historical narrative. 

SALT will be performed promenade-style in the Concert Hall at Lighthouse and on the streets of Poole from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 July and producers would like to recruit 100 people to appear in the play and more to help backstage and behind the scenes. 

"We have got roles available immediately to everyone who'd like one - it could be a featured part, singing in the choir, playing instruments, or dancing," say co-directors Lynne Forbes and Tamsin Fessey from Angel Exit. 

"We’ll also need help with making costumes, sourcing props and building sets as well as everything from dressing, make up, hair and wardrobe, to driving, stewarding, or baking cakes for rehearsals – if you’ve got a skill or a passion there’ll be a place for it!" 

Lighthouse and Angel Exit are to host an Information Open Day on Saturday (18 March) from 3pm for anyone interested to come along, meet the creative team, hear some of the play and find out how to get involved. The meeting will be streamed online and made available as a recording for those who are unable to attend. 

There are also informal casting sessions being held over the weekend of Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March with parts available for everyone who wants one - actors, singers, musicians and dancers, as well as non-speaking background parts. 

Musical director Tim Laycock is recruiting a choir to learn some old Newfoundland songs and also contribute to making up a new one. 

"SALT is something the whole community can be part of - it's a great way to put Poole on the map while making friends and having fun," says Martha Earley, Creative Engagement Manager at Lighthouse. 

"There are great benefits in terms of combatting loneliness and social isolation and the project aims to be as accessible as possible so if anyone has access needs that will enable them to attend, please let us know. We will be giving everyone access riders at the castings so that we can try to accommodate any needs." 

To sign up for a casting session or let the producers know how you would like to take part it is important to complete a form at https://forms.gle/VPPvsHWsLUZpXbxG8 

To find out more, email communityplay@lighthousepoole.co.uk or call Community Play Co-ordinator, Holly, on 01202 781338.