THE whole of Barry will become a theatre this April when an innovative new play is staged across the town.

Created by Barry woman Bridget Keehan, Day to Go is a play that is performed during a bus trip across Barry and at various stops along the way where the audience will be met by characters telling stories inspired by the locations.

The play promises to transport audiences to a Barry they didn't even know existed, meeting various characters who appear en route such as the abandoned bride, the woman who can't stop swimming, the former Butlins Redcoat who has a confession to make and even the patron saint of Barry himself.

Day To Go creator Bridget said: “In my work in Barry I have been struck by the deep affection and sense of loss many people feel for places such as the Lido, Bindles Ballroom and the Butlins camp.

"This performance seeks to recreate something of the joy and excitement of these places and, through the characters we meet during the journey we get to think about the importance of keeping hold of what is precious but also, how getting stuck in the past can mean you just go round in circles.

"Whilst the town of Barry and those who live here have been the inspiration and starting point for the show I think what we’ve created asks broader questions about the life you are leading, the bus journey also functions as a metaphor and invites the audience to ask themselves questions about the direction of their own life.”

The show involves performances from professional artists from as far afield as Cornwall as well as local performers and dancers including Emma Mallam from the Vibe Project and Jodie Allinson, a performance artist who was born and brought up in Barry.

Emma and Jodie are both former students of Bryn Hafren comprehensive school and last worked together when studying for their A-level drama.

Day To Go will be performed on Saturday, April 5 and Saturday, April 12 at 12pm, 2pm and 4pm with a running time of one hour.

The journey starts at the Memo Arts Centre in the heart of Barry. Tickets are £10 and £8 for concessions and are available from the Memo Arts Centre, Barry and Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff.

Tickets are limited to 20 available seats per performance. Further information about the project can be found at www.papertrail.org.uk