Last updated 11:05, Friday, 15 February 2008

SET in rural Cumbria, The Hired Man is being performed in Whitehaven this month.

By Melvyn Bragg and Howard Goodall, the play is being staged at Rosehill Theatre on Saturday, February 23.

The Hired Man tells the timeless, moving story of a young married couple and their struggle to carve a living from the land, just as the traditional rhythms of English country life are being interrupted by the gathering storm of war in Europe – said to be haunting, thrilling and stirring stuff.

The show is brought to life by a talented cast of actors and musicians for a breathtaking evening.

Melvyn Bragg, author of The Hired Man said: “It really is about something, something very real. It is about struggle, relationships, family…real lives.

“I was astonished that Howard Goodall could make a musical of a heroic working class struggle.

“But the things that go on in this story did happen in this country, and do continue to happen. And people relate to that. And the music is marvellous. I think it’s one of the best Goodall has written.”

It is produced by the critically acclaimed East Midlands Theatre Company New Perspectives.

This is the first time that the show has been toured, and has been visiting the length and breadth of Britain.

Tickets are: adults £13, concessions £11, children £8, telephone 01946 692422.