A pioneering Dorset-based theatre group is bringing their sell out show to Bridport later this month.

The powerful production, Heath, is being staged by Bournemouth-based Vita Nova at Bridport Arts Centre on November 27 to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary.

Inspired by King Lear, and performed by actors in recovery from addiction, the new play equates the despair of addiction with the king’s madness in Shakespeare’s play.

Sharon Coyne, the play’s author and artistic director, said: “This play draws on the words of Shakespeare as it examines the premise of having to lose everything to discover the truth about yourself.

"We are bringing to the stage the trauma-induced through addiction – showing how for some, it is only when they reach their rock bottom that they begin to see the insanity of drug and alcohol misuse.

“The production will be a highpoint in the story of Vita Nova as we celebrate the milestone of 25 years supporting people in recovery.”

The play received a standing ovation at Pavilion Dance SW when it opened this month and toured to a sold out show at Lighthouse Poole.

Audience member, Professor Michael Dobson, Director of the Shakespeare Institute said: “Heath offers a fiercely topical and tender re-reading of King Lear, bitterly funny and painfully gripping.

"This Lear for our times is one of the most artistically ambitious and artistically successful shows I have ever seen staged by what is at heart a drama-therapy troupe.

"Polished as well as raw, it does as much healing work for its audiences as it does for the remarkably talented group of recovering addicts who are its cast."

Funded by Arts Council England, the play has been choreographed by Paul Bayes Kitcher, Artistic Director of Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, based in Chester, with a brand new and live musical accompaniment from Dorset based composer and musician, Stefan Defilet.

Producer Michael Armstrong said: “We are proud of the reputation we have earned for the quality of our work, its resonance with audiences and the positive impact involvement Vita Nova has had for the community.”