Badapple Theatre is bringing its latest stage production to East Morton.

The Thankful Village explores the effects of the First World War on a rural English community.

The play, presented on May 4, takes place far away from the horrors and deathly din of the trenches. The village women face the prospect of being left behind to cope as their menfolk march off to Flanders.

A Badapple spokesman said: “Each woman faces up to the challenges in her own way, with resilience, humour, a sense of duty and whatever vestiges of hope she can muster, as the years pass by and they wait anxiously for news of their loved ones far away.

“They cannot know that their village will end the war as one of a few similar communities, for which fate has reserved a special place in history.”

The Badapple spokesman said the massive cultural effect of The First World War had inspired a number of lavish, heavily-acclaimed theatrical productions, such as War Horse and Birdsong.

She said: “This has prompted Badapple to confront this same subject from a fresh and original viewpoint.

“The production is tailored to suit their smaller-scaled, yet ever-stylishly presented approach, which will hopefully compliment the current crop of large-scale productions, without being overshadowed by them in terms of dramatic impact.”

Established in 1998, Badapple Theatre specialise in inventive new comedy specifically designed for rural touring.

Shows premiere through the company’s Theatre On Your Doorstep network in their native North Yorkshire before embarking on national tours.

The Thankful Village will be presented at Morton Village Institute on May 4. Call (01535) 611652 or (01423) 339168 to book tickets.

The play is also performed at Trawden Parish Hall on May 22. Visit badappletheatre.com or call (01423) 339168 for tickets.