A landmark piece in lesbian dramatic literature, focusing on the friendships and journeys of eight women, is beautifully and sympathetically performed by Studio Theatre, Salisbury.

Jane Chambers' groundbreaking play, Last Summer at Bluefish Cove, is set in Long Island, New York, in 1980 - a time when homophobia is still rife in the USA.

Having just left her husband of 12 years, Eva (played by George Cotterill) arrives at Bluefish Cove looking for a new start. She wants to make new friends and become a feminist. What she doesn’t know is that this resort is occupied by a group of lesbian friends who come here to escape their normal lives to spend summers together and be themselves.

Caring but naive Eva soon meets proficient fisher Lil, the only other singleton along the beach. Sophie Townsend is endearing as the sarcastic and witty Lil, who has terminal cancer, but is keeping the diagnosis close to her chest.

Her friend and former lover Kitty (Clare Green) has left her gynaecologist job to become a full-time writer of feminist books. A force to be reckoned with in any situation, Kitty is terrified of being publicly outed, and worries that Eva’s arrival at Bluefish Cove might expose her. Rita (Roz Skellorn) is Kitty's wide-eyed and level-headed secretary and lover.

Annie (Lynnette Barnes) is a strong, plucky sculptor and Lil’s oldest friend. Her partner Rae left her husband and 2 kids to be with Annie. Rae (played by Shantell Braschler) is the homemaker of the bunch.

Sue (Nikki Shepherd) is a wealthy and weathered blueblood, involved with the much younger Donna (Antonia Harding), a gold digger who is obsessed with Lil.

Last Summer at Bluefish Cove was one of the first pieces of theatre to present lesbians in a positive or neutral light. The comedy dialogue, sensitivity to human nature, and tender treatment of characters help the play transcend preconceptions and show the universality of these women's journeys, whether straight or lesbian.

Director Philippa Crundwell said she wanted to redress the lack of queer representation growing up. She has successfully done that by putting on the first LGBTQ+ play in Studio Theatre’s 70-year history.

Prompts were barely needed and first night nerves didn’t show from this consummately professional cast, who made good use of the small but realistic seaside set, which focuses around Lil’s cabin with sand and flowing water around a fishing rock.

The pure, plaintive mezzo-soprano tones of KD Lang divide scenes beautifully.

Though dark in places, this witty and emotional piece of theatre had the audience laughing out loud A LOT.

This fabulous portrayal of a seminal play continues at Studio Theatre, Ashley Road until Saturday, October 7.

For tickets, visit ticketsource.co.uk/studiotheatresalisbury/