A NEW play that teaches young people about the horrors and camaraderie of trench warfare is coming to Salisbury Playhouse on Monday and Tuesday.

Muddy Choir, by Jesse Briton, features three young soldiers who leave their Sunderland homes for life on the front line.

The play is set in November 1917 as the Third Battle of Ypres was lurching towards its bloody conclusion.

Young members of the Durham Light Infantry, Will, Robbie and Jumbo, sing to keep their spirits up but their music attracts unwelcome attention from their commanding officers.

Is singing their ticket away from the front, or will it prove more dangerous than bullets and gas?

This story about boys growing up and the humanising power of music has been commissioned by Theatre Centre, a company renowned for producing quality theatre for young audiences.

Muddy Choir includes a number of songs from the First World War period, including popular folk melodies from the north east, as the boys form an ad-hoc choir to find a way out of the trenches.

It captures the heartbreak, honour, passion and desperation of the young men who fought for their country 100 years ago.

Playwright Jesse Briton, who has won several awards for his work, said: “In this centenary year there’s a particular significance in bringing to schools and venues work that reflects the reality of the First World War for the millions caught up in it, including so many young people. “To write a new play on this topic is a daunting challenge, made achievable only by the humanity of Theatre Centre’s approach to making new theatre and their team’s commitment to young audiences.”

Muddy Choir will be performed in the Salberg at 7.45pm with a schools’ performance on Tuesday at 10.30am.

The recommended age is 14 plus.

To book tickets contact the Salisbury Playhouse box office on 01722 320333 or visit salisburyplayhouse.com.