SALISBURY Playhouse’s youth theatre Stage ’65 is giving four performances of a new play which draws inspiration from Magna Carta.

The young people, aged 14 to 16, will be performing Clause 39 in the nave of Salisbury Cathedral on June 20 and 21. In this promenade performance the audience will follow the action throughout the beautiful and atmospheric cathedral setting.

Clause 39 has been specially written by award-winning playwright Hattie Naylor, pictured, and examines whether Magna Carta’s best known principal — “no free man shall be seized or imprisoned...except by the lawful judgement of his equals or by the law of the land” — is still achievable in a time of anti-terror legislation.

The play follows the story of Sasha, a boy who is seized, imprisoned and tortured after being suspected of an unspecified crime. Blending original songs, live music and powerful storytelling, Clause 39 examines if it is ever justified to reject Magna Carta’s best known clause and deny people the right to a fair trial. And if in a climate of extremism, terrorism and global fear it is possible to uphold the principals set out in Magna Carta 800 years ago.

“This play pulls no punches and asks lots of questions about liberty and freedom in the light of anti-terror laws,” said youth theatre director at Salisbury Playhouse, Dave Orme, who is directing Clause 39 alongside resident assistant director Jo Newman.

“Obviously terrorism is an issue that’s in young people’s minds these days but they are also aware of the principals laid down in Magna Carta and how they form the basis of our democracy.

“The cast of 26 are really relishing the challenge of performing this new play which has been specially written for them.

“They are very proud that Salisbury is home to one of the four surviving copies of Magna Carta, it really means something to them. And to have the opportunity to perform in Salisbury Cathedral is really exciting. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and this promises to be a very powerful and moving production.”

Hattie Naylor added: “As my play states, Human Rights have been fought for slowly, often through protest and secured by legislation, from Magna Carta onwards. The legislation that protects our rights can be compared to an old oak tree, in that it has taken years to grow but can be cut down in one blow, leaving all of us in the UK more vulnerable.”

Clause 39 is a co-production between Salisbury Playhouse and Salisbury Cathedral with original music by Dom Coyote, designs by Hannah Wolfe and lighting by Peter Hunter. The project is part of the Original Drama programme at Salisbury Playhouse supported by Frank and Elizabeth Brenan and Salisbury City Council.

There are just four performances of Clause 39 in Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 at 7pm and 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale at the Salisbury Playhouse ticket office on 01722 320333 or www.salisburyplayhouse.com.

For press inquiries please contact PR and Communications Officer at Salisbury Playhouse Jill Harding on 01722 345153 or jill.harding@salisburyplayhouse.com.

Jill Harding