THE theatre company of Basingstoke native Stephen Love presents its latest production in Winchester Discovery Centre this month. 

Stephen, who was born in Basingstoke and grew up in the town, attended Brighton Hill Community College and Queen Mary's College.

He toured with Proteus Theatre as an actor on a gap year before moving to Winchester University to study contemporary performance.

Stephen started Forward Thinking Theatre in 2014 during his final year and the company is now to bring Blackbird, written by David Harrower, back to Winchester Discovery Centre after an incredibly popular first run.

Blackbird is the tragic story of two people who once had a passionate affair and meet again fifteen years later. Ray is confronted with his past when Una arrives unannounced at his office.

Guilt, rage and raw emotions run high as they recount the relationship they had when she was twelve and he was forty. Una is looking for answers, not vengeance. Nevertheless the consequences are shattering.

Stephen explained: “Theatre should make both the artist and audience question what it is they believe, question what they are seeing and how that makes them feel. Above all, it should be relevant.

“In a society where paedophilia demands a lot of media attention, I feel proud to present a play that sheds light on the aftermath of such events, and on how the damage is felt even after the public attention has moved on.”

The cast includes Basingstoke-based actor Andy Ball, who trained in street arts.

See Blackbird in Winchester Discovery Centre on September 26 and 27.

Tickets ranging in price from £7 - £10 are available from 01962 873603.