The New Hardy Players will be presenting a new version of the wartime play Stronghold of Happiness, in aid of the West Dorset Women's Refuge Welfare Committee.

This new adaptation of Devina Symes' play, which is adapted from her novel of the same name, is set in wartime Dorset, and will be staged at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester on September 30th.

It tells the enduring and emotional love story of local couple, Peter and Ella Samways, who each experience life-changing conflict during the Second World War – Ella on the home front and Peter on the battlefront and as he faces the consequences of Ella's trauma.

Reunited, their story deals with the aftermath of crisis as they make sense of their changed lives.

The play and the novel tackle strong themes of abuse that make them unsuitable for a younger audience. A play reading within a play, the story begins in 2005, when the older Peter and Ella are invited to watch a rehearsal of their story, which the local drama group had chosen to perform.

Harry Cockerill and Tilda Sansom will play the young couple, and Barry and Chrissie White will play the contemporary couple.

Author and playwright Devina Symes said: "I wanted to tell a story that turned the tables on the usual narrative about war and look at the unspeakable traumas and conflicts sometimes experienced by vulnerable women left at home."

Symes' novel will be available on the night and is also available in bookshops and online.

All proceeds from the performance, sponsored by Purple Business and Personal Accountants, Poundbury, will go to West Dorset Women's Refuge Welfare Committee.

The play will be held at 7.30pm on September 30 at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester – 1940s dress is encouraged but optional. Tickets are now available WeGotTickets.com