THE true story of a forgotten Salisbury heroine from the First World War is brought to life on the stage.

Over the Top is part of the line-up for Theatre Fest West and will be in The Salberg at Salisbury Playhouse on Monday.

In June 1915, Dorothy Lawrence set sail for northern France, intent on becoming the first female war correspondent. Disguised as Private Denis Smith she made her way to the frontline of fighting in Europe.

This March, 100 years on, theatre company The Heroine Project Presents will bring this story back to Dorothy’s home town.

Using a mixture of storytelling and songs inspired by the music hall tradition, Over the Top takes the audience on a hour-long journey through Dorothy’s life, to a soundtrack influenced by the shifting musical landscape of the early 20th century.

The show is accompanied by a half-hour discussion in which director Lizzie Crarer and the two performers.

Crarer said: "Dorothy's exuberant and imaginative voice was never heard in Salisbury in her own lifetime. It is really thrilling to bring her story back to life, 100 years on, as part of such an exciting festival that celebrates some of the best theatrical creativity in the South West."

The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum in The Close will be hosting an exhibition from Wiltshire Council initiative Wiltshire at War – with new content about Dorothy Lawrence and her connections with Salisbury until March 25.

This new content will take up the two outer panels: the first panel will outline Dorothy’s story and will share the evidence connecting her with Wiltshire. The second panel will be a space for ‘postcards to Dorothy’ - inviting the public to reflect and make a personal connection with this overlooked person and what she did.

For tickets call 01722 320 333. or go to salisburyplayhouse.com