Shakespeare’s most popular play was the obvious and perfect choice for a large-scale community production. There was an open call for anyone in the town who wanted to take part, whether on stage, backstage of front of house. No one would be turned away. There were recruitment evenings at the Astor Theatre, notices in the local paper and the library, and word was spread. A team of professional theatre makers came down for the summer, the play was cast with amateurs and professionals on an equal footing, and the design team began the task of transforming the theatre and creating the elements of the procession to the pier that would make for a spectacular last night. It was a true community project, involving children, adults, entire families, and many for whom this was their first experience of live theatre – as participant or audience.
