We have just been sent details of a new play, called “The Demolition Man”, about the last years of Fred’s life has been commissioned and is due to be staged next year at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre:
Written by Aelish Michael in collaboration with Fred’s third wife Sheila and some of his closest friends, the play chronicles the last few years of Fred’s life, his determination to get his steam engine on the road and the ups and downs of his relationship with Sheila.
David says Aelish’s play came about after the writer raised enough money to put on a rehearsed reading of the script, which she had been developing with him.
“We had a very frank and open discussion with the audience as to whether the play honoured Fred.” he said.
“It became very clear that there was a strong sense that we should do this play, so the next morning I rang Aelish up and commissioned it.”
The Octagon’s web site describes it as:
Aelish Michael’s funny and tender new play, researched in collaboration with Fred’s wife and some of his closest friends, focuses on the last few years of his eventful life. The Octagon is proud to stage this world premiere; a tribute to a man who will never be forgotten in his home town, and whose inspirational legacy lives on.
Interesting stuff in light of the recently announced (but as yet unconfirmed) Fred Dibnah Movie.
Updated: Just discovered that Aelish has got a blog with details of the development of the play: check it out. And for a sneak preview of the play here’s her story-arc.
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More details added.
Video added.