Early History of Med Theatre
The Story of MED Theatre
MED Theatre was formally constituted and registered as a charity in 1989. Now based in Moretonhampstead, it grew out of a series of plays put on by founder Mark Beeson and his colleagues in the Dartmoor village of Manaton, hence its name Manaton and East Dartmoor Theatre. It has worked to develop a modern tradition of theatre and performance on Dartmoor, using local material to create transgenerational drama, dance, music and film as well as young people’s projects and sessions in schools.
early days
In the early days of MED Theatre, The Dart – a community magazine for the Dart region – played a major part in publicising MED Theatre’s community plays and in putting MED Theatre’s work into context with what other theatre companies in the South West were doing at the time. The Dart was also founded by Mark Beeson, together with colleagues.
The Badgers (1980). Photo: Chris Chapman