HELMSLEY Arts Centre brings young talent to the fore in this week’s forthcoming 1812 Theatre Company production.

Be My Baby, by Amanda Whittington, is set in the 1960s when it was unacceptable to be pregnant out of wedlock.

Many pregnant girls were sent to church-run maternity homes to live out their pregnancies in secrecy and shame.

This moving play explores the two-month stay of Mary, who wants to keep her baby, and the other three girls in the home with her.

Their spirits are uplifted by pop songs from girl-groups of the time – but can Mary keep her baby?

The show is directed by Kat Lunn. This is her first production at the arts centre, where she was a member of the youth theatre for many years.

Other youth theatre alumni taking starring roles, include Florrie Stockbridge and Natasha Jones, the new youth theatre director, alongside stalwart performers from the adult 1812 Theatre Company. Performances start today (Wednesday) and run until Saturday, at 7.30pm.

To book tickets and for more information, go to helmsleyarts.co.uk or phone the box office on 01439 771700.