AN INTRIGUING historical tale set in Deal will be performed on the streets of the town next week.

Ambrose Gwinnett is Innocent is being staged by Guy Scantlebury from Bigfoot Theatre Company.

He said: “It is based on the true story of a young man who came to Deal on carnival night in 1709.

“He was arrested, tried and convicted of the robbery and murder of a local man who disappeared that night and was later hanged at Deal by a vengeful town.

“The most extraordinary part of the story is that he survived the hanging, escaped to the West Indies and then met the very man whose murder he had been accused of, still very much alive.”

Mr Scantlebury added that this community play has been developed at The Cleary Club in the Landmark Centre in Deal

“Our play, which we are devising from an 18th century pamphlet relating the facts, is a vivid re-telling of the events that lead to this miscarriage of justice, “ he said.

“It clears the name of Gwinnett and allows the people of Deal to atone for the wrong perpetrated by our predecessors and celebrate the uniqueness of this town and its story.

“We will tell this story on the streets of old Deal, where it all happened, on the Friday night of carnival week with a large cast of local people from all walks of life.”

Mr Scantlebury added that they need help with some aspects of the production including costumes, lighting, set construction and people to act as ushers on the night.

“If you can help us make this an extraordinary event it will create a powerful legacy and hopefully a community play will become an annual event in the town, “ he said.

* Ambrose Gwinnett is Innocent will start from The Cleary Club at 7.30pm on Friday, August 1 and tickets are £3, which includes a mask.

Anyone who can help with the production should contact Guy Scantlebury on 01304 379309 or 07956403440, email guy@bigfoot-theatre.co.uk.