by Lorraine Gibson.

In March 1990, armed only with a vision to enrich and positively impact the lives of people in rural Dorset through creative and cultural experiences, Arstreach was launched.
It has grown from organising events in nine venues to staging more than 130 thought-provoking, life-affirming performances a year to 40-plus local communities.
It seems fitting then, that more than three decades later, this spirit of foresight is reflected in one of the programme’s shows that comes to Dorset, for one night only, during Women’s History Month.
Nothing On Earth, is an inspiring piece of theatre that celebrates real-life heroines and explores the tenacity of pioneering women.
It begins when Jade, who has had to give up her high-flying life as a cabin crew member and now works as a carer, steps into a room in the care home that no one ever goes into.
As she crosses the threshold, voices from the golden age of adventure surround her. They are from women who flew Spitfires, crossed continents in pursuit of Chairman Mao, parachuted from rickety hot-air balloons or shouted ‘No Surrender’ into the mouths of the guns.

Their long-forgotten stories unfold through the voices of the ground-breaking women that chime around her.
Written by novelist Anna Reynolds, Nothing On Earth is billed as an anarchic comedy; its characters, Edwardian balloonist Dolly Shepherd (1886-1983), suffragette Constance Lytton (1869-1923), and interwar explorer Violet Cressy-Marcks (1895-1970) evoke the past and link it to the present.
Each true tale is remarkable, colliding with Jade’s – a 21st century woman coping with the loss of her beloved grandfather while grounded by the Pandemic.
These women are strong and witty and their experiences and achievements are told with humour and eccentricity.
The play navigates history while contemplating the reality of being in care, of getting old, of grief, and the impact of uncontrollable global events.
Described as ‘fantastical, heart-catching, time-travel’, Artsreach director Kerry Bartlett is excited about people in Dorset having a chance to see it.
“This project celebrates the lives of real women from history, highlighting contemporary resonances from their experiences which are still relevant today.”

Corfe Castle Village Hall, Saturday, March 25, at 7:30pm.
Suitable for ages 13+. Call 07590 352219 or visit artsreach.co.uk.