AUDIENCES in libraries across Dorset were entertained by a play telling the story of Dorset fossil hunter Mary Anning.

Mary Anning’s Fossil Depot was performed at libraries in Gillingham, Christchurch, Bridport, Weymouth and Dorchester by AsOne Theatre Company as part of its Library Live project.

The play tells the story of the local palaeontologist Mary Anning, where the audience is invited into her fossil depot and handle real fossils, piece together a dinosaur skeleton and learn of her many discoveries.

Mary, played by Jane McKell, was very engaging and captured the many facets of Mary’s character as she recalled her life, struggles and many discoveries.

Her older brother Joseph; played by Eljo De Vries, was hilarious as he portrayed the esteemed visitors to the depot- The King of Saxony, Lady Buckland and even Mary’s little dog Tray!

This was a play full of information and humour and finely judged to engage and entertain audiences of all ages.

The compact set worked well within the library space and cleverly created atmosphere of the 19th century depot. The play was written and directed by Peter John Cooper

S M MASSEY