Spoof that rocked the nation (From Western Telegraph)

Spoof that rocked the nation

A Pembrokeshire playwright has fooled the Welsh media with a 'deliciously ludicrous' spoof - and proved that sometimes life really does imitate art.

Derek Webb, of Maenclochog, launched a website claiming to represent a group campaigning to dismantle the bluestones from Stonehenge and return them to Pembrokeshire.

The fictitious group, Carreg Glas (Welsh for bluestone), claimed: l That just as Greece was fighting for the return of the Elgin Marbles, Pembrokeshire should fight for the return of its bluestones.

l That England auctioned off Stonehenge in 1915 - and so did not deserve to keep it.

l That large crowds turned out to a protest march in Narberth to launch the campaign.

The 'Western Mail' dedicated most of a colour page to the bizarre plans of this 'vocal minority' last Monday. The national broadsheet also ran a stinging editorial column on the proposals and splashed the news on its front page.

English Heritage, politicians, historians and archaeologists queued up to rubbish the plans.

Following the article, the website was inundated with requests for interviews from the media nationwide.

But it was all a hoax to promote a forthcoming play at the Queens Hall, Narberth - a comedy about a man who campaigns to bring the bluestone back to Pembrokeshire.

Derek Webb, said: "The idea is so ludicrous that we never expected it go as far as it did. The play features a lot of snowballing media interest in these plans - it was amazing to watch life imitating art."

He added: "Most of the interest was from the media. But a few members of the public also e-mailed, wanting to join the campaign!"

The play, 'Bringing Back the Bluestones', begins at the Queens Hall on October 31st.

Derek, who used to work in advertising, moved to Pembrokeshire from London last year. His first play, 'Dog Eat Dog', was performed at the South London Theatre in 1999.

Derek added: "'Bringing Back the Bluestones' is not serious drama - but a good laugh is promised."