THE Basingstoke Youth Theatre, in partnership with Anvil Arts and Proteus Theatre Company, presents Coram Boy at The Haymarket on Thursday, July 9.

Vivid and compelling, this play with music is based on the Whitbread Award-winning book by Jamila Gavin.

Set in 18th-century England, it’s the tale of two orphans at the Coram Hospital for Foundling Children; Toby, saved from an African ship as a child, and Aaron, the illegitimate son of the heir to a great estate.

The two boys’ lives are linked by the Coram Man, a shady figure who collects abandoned and unwanted children from across the country, supposedly to deliver them to a safe new life at the Coram Hospital in London.

In reality, the unscrupulous man rarely keeps his promises and sells the unfortunate children into slavery, or ‘disposes’ of them if they are of no use.

Ross Harvie, co-director of Coram Boy and associate director of Proteus Theatre Company says: “The process of choosing the right piece for our Youth Theatre is often a challenging one as we aim to give all participants an opportunity to be part of a productions which is grown up and complex in theme, yet engaging for teenagers”.

Sarah Brown, co-director, adds: “This is a fantastic show with the roots of the entire production in Basingstoke and Deane borough. Not only are all the cast members from local schools and colleges, many of the other contributors including music by Ali Willis and set design and puppetry by Nick Ash are all based in and around Basingstoke.”

Basingstoke Youth Theatre is a joint project between Anvil Arts, Central Studio and Proteus Theatre Company. It brings together young people from all across the borough with a passion for performing.

There is no audition process to be part of the Youth Theatre, giving a chance for everyone to be involved.

The performance begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets priced £9 are available from the box office on 01256 844244 or online at anvilarts.org.uk.