With their latest production Oxfordshire Theatre Company will be bringing to a venue near you one of the most moving and rewarding shows you could wish for.

It’s the world premiere of Melvin Burgess’s Loving April, a tale of hardship, courage, and love that tugged on my heartstrings so much that I was extremely glad that I had remembered to take my handkerchief along. The story tells of April, a young girl who has been deaf since an accident at the age of five. This has also severely inhibited her ability to speak – but the performance by Sarah Thomas-Lane is, however, one of the most eloquent expositions I’ve ever seen on stage.

In the rural community of the 1920s where this is set, the locals cannot see past April’s afflictions to the intelligent, sensitive and bright girl who is forced to live on the fringes of their community. The catalyst for change in her lonely existence is the arrival of down-on-their-luck mother and son Mrs Piggott (Helen Barford), and Tony (Daniel Naddafy). They are social outcasts also, but from a far more affluent background, and the three characters all learn life changing lessons from each other as the plot unfolds. The many other characters who populate the story are played deftly by Jack Hughes and Tracey-Anne Liles (both pictured). The sure- handed direction by Karen Simpson holds the many elements of this pacy yet subtle piece together perfectly and there are some stunning visual moments. The music, specially written by Matt Cooper, is beautiful and completely symbiotic with the emotional tides of the play.

Loving April will be playing throughout Oxfordshire until April 24. If you would like details of where and when this wonderful piece of theatre is showing visit the website (www.oxfordshiretheatrecompany.co.uk) for details. It is well worth seeking out a performance near you. You will be moved and inspired by this lovely tale.