REHEARSALS have begun for Here I Belong, a new play by Matt Hartley commissioned by Pentabus Theatre Company, which will embark on a seven-week tour to village halls, libraries, colleges and studio theatres nationwide.

Here I Belong celebrates village life, companionship and community while highlighting the challenges faced by people in rural areas. Over the course of six decades, from 1953 to 2016, Elsie’s life, relationships and the right to grow old in her own home will be played out on stage.

Writer Matt Hartley said: ‘I’m delighted to be asked to write a play for Pentabus. I grew up in a small village in the Peak District and I wanted to write a play that reflected what it’s like to grow up in rural communities and how villages have changed.’

Elsie is played by Beatrice Curnew whose recent theatre work includes Pig at The Arcola, Office Christmas Party at Hull Truck and Scenes from a Separation at The Orange Tree Theatre. She is joined by Nathalie Barclay who will multi role four different characters. Her stage credits include The Class Ceiling at Southwark Playhouse, Positive at Park Theatre and Chapter 2 at the New Diorama.

Artistic Director Elizabeth Freestone said: "At Pentabus we are committed to making plays about rural issues and taking them directly to affected communities. I’m excited that these audiences will see our cast transform through the different time periods before their eyes. Everyone knows someone like Elsie and Here I Belong will be an uplifting and entertaining piece of theatre for people of all ages."

The tour starts on Wednesday, October 12 at 7.30pm at Bromfield Village Hall. For full tour details and to book, visit pentabus.co.uk/here-i-belong