THE most ambitious project ever undertaken by Okehampton's Get Changed Theatre Company is all set for lift off.

The company is leaving behind the traditional theatre space it has occupied in the past to present 'Get Changed Makes History' at Castle Drogo.

A collaboration between the National Trust and Get Changed, the project will offer visitors to Drogo the opportunity to experience three very different projects by the group, beginning this spring with a set of visual and audio installations set around the castle's interior and exterior space.

To commemorate the young men from the Drogo workforce who downed tools to fight in the First World War, there will be a visual display of windmills that, when blown in the wind, look like poppies, with a windmill for each man who did not return.

The windmills, made by members of Get Changed, will be placed among a planted area of wild poppies in the castle grounds.

The group has also created an interpretive art work depicting the eleven ages of man, based on a fine historical piece that belonged to the Drewe family, for whom the castle was built.

The woodland path 'Mr Drewe's Walk' will have objects along its path associated with the history of the castle, and can be used by children and adults alike as instruments to create a tapestry of sounds.

Finally, alongside the portraits usually on display at Drogo, will be artwork done by Get Changed members following visits to the castle last year.

Get Changed chairperson Christine Munkenbeck said: 'Get Changed Theatre Company has made its reputation in disability theatre over the past 19 years through the production of issue-based dramas and lavish shows where cast members have presented their unique take on popular films such as Star Wars, and Back to the Future.

'This year marks a big departure, as Get Changed leaves behind the traditional theatre space and is poised to work in a new and very different setting.

'It is a hugely ambitious and exciting project to undertake, and one that is being enjoyed greatly by our members.

'The refurbishment work at Drogo gives us the perfect opportunity to use such a wonderful and historic building for a project like this, and we hope visitors enjoy the installations and performances during the forthcoming castle visitor season.'

The project runs throughout the year with two additional phases. Around May or June, there will be up to six days of 'glimpse theatre', with cast members acting out cameo pieces in locations around the castle. These pieces will help to reveal some of the castle's history.

The project will culminate with promenade performances in September. Using a number of performance spaces around the castle, the audience, initially managed in small groups, will be guided around the castle experiencing intimate and interactive scenes created with drama, dance, film, mine, still image and more.

These scenes will chronicle the castle's rich history, offering a dramatic portrayal of its affluent past as the story unfolds.

The installations at Castle Drogo will be positioned over the coming days and will be in place for the Easter bank holiday weekend.