The first show at a Porthcurno theatre has been revealed as a topical look at rural life in the 21st century.

The first play at the Minack this spring will be 'And Then Come the Nightjars', by award-winning playwright, Bea Roberts and will run from Mya 25 to June 3

The play is described as a moving and topical show intertwined with humour, about the realities of rural life in the 21st century.

The title refers to the ancient rural myth that the nocturnal nightjar sucks the milk from cattle and destroys the livelihoods of farmers.

Bea Robert’s portrait of country life traces the profound changes in society overtaking rural communities as main characters Michael and Jeffrey face a new world of Grand Designs, Tesco Metros and rural tourism.

When it was first produced, And Then Come the Nightjars won the 2014 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award, but Director John Brolly feels the play has an even more powerful resonance today.

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John said: "Twenty years ago, foot and mouth disease spread uncontrollably across the UK.

"Over 6 million animals were slaughtered as the authorities took drastic measures to halt the spread.

"No aspect of life in the British countryside was left unaffected.

"There are many parallels that can be drawn with today’s global pandemic, which will impact on our society in ways that we are yet to discover.

"But it is the images of real people and how their lives will be changed that we will reflect on when we try to make sense of this after the statisticians and politicians have moved on.

"Bea Robert’s play is so successful because it traces the human impact of a time of great change.

"Although she uses the backdrop of a national crisis, at the heart of it is a story of the friendship of two men under extreme pressure as both of their lives spin out of control."

It is hoped that the production will subsequently tour in the South West after its initial run.