A theatre production that used puppets and animation to explore the region’s nuclear heritage has won high praise from audiences.

ATOM:A Tale of Matter explored the life of John Dalton (1766-1844), who was born in Eaglesfield and became a renowned scientist after his early work on atom theory. Among the performances was a VIP night at Whitehaven's Beacon Museum.

The project used the creative talents of pupils from Distington Community and Seascale Primary schools to develop the story which was performed by Prism Arts Studio Theatre West Coast, an inclusive group that includes actors with learning disabilities and autism.

Among those who saw the show at the Beacon was Michael Pemberton, chief executive of Britain’s Energy Coast, who described it as “very clever, creative and inclusive”.

“It is great to see our local heritage being told by local people with passion in their own way. I’ve certainly learned a lot more John Dalton. Everyone had a role to play in telling the story,” he said.

Lois Holman, public relations officer with Sellafield, has been involved in helping the theatre group and schools learn about the industry.

“I thought the production was excellent and thought it was interesting how it showed that no matter how clever your idea you don’t know what is going to happen to them - which relates to a lot of things today like the internet and plastic,” she said.

Alan Gillon, learning officer at the Beacon, said the evening had been ‘inspirational’, adding that the centre had helped the schools and actors explore the area’s industrial heritage through its talks based around its exhibits.

The production was the result of an 18-month project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which saw Prism Arts Studio Theatre West Coast work with pupils of Distington and Seascale primary schools.

Studio Theatre West and Distington school worked together to create the story using drawing.

The stop motion animations were created by members of Studio Theatre West, working with Haltwhistle Film Project.

The music in the production was created by musician Mark Newport with two Studio Theatre West members, who all play during the show.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Prism Arts has worked with the Beacon Museum, Sellafield Ltd, Whitehaven Archives and the National Nuclear Laboratory.

Catherine Coulthard, CEO of Prism Arts, said “This project has given the company the chance to explore Cumbria’s nuclear history and present it in their own way. They have worked hard with the help of the students and partner organisations to create this production." It has received amazing feedback, we are very grateful to everyone who came to see the show.”