Build A Rocket returns to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre

The production, featuring critically-acclaimed actress Serena Manteghi, reprises her role as Yasmin to challenge the perception of young motherhood.

Yasmin, a bright 16-year-old from Scarborough, has her world turn upside-down when she discovers her pregnancy.

Abandoned by both the father of her child and her alcoholic mother, Yasmin is faced with the challenge of motherhood alone - but can the thing which threatens to ruin her life be the thing which saves her?

Scarborough-born writer Christopher York said: “Teenage pregnancy is so demonised, and we are quick to blame teenagers.

“There was a girl I was at school with who had a child at 15.

“I was astounded at her resilience; she went on to pass her GCSEs,

go to college and university, get married and raise a wonderful human being.

“We are still conservative about these topics - if we were more open and Scandinavian about how we tackled sex and sexual health, especially with young people, we may not have the statistics we do.”

Thanks to generous support from the Noël Coward Foundation, the production will also be performied to students from schools and college in North Yorkshire, including Malton School, Norton College, Lady Lumley’s School, Scarborough Sixth Form College, Graham School and the Scarborough Pupil Referral Unit.

Director Paul Robinson said: “I am delighted that Build a Rocket is going on a national tour in co-production with Tara Finney Productions.

“It is a key strategic priority for the SJT to be touring bold, resonant and relevant contemporary work, as well as to further champion local emerging artist Christopher York on a national platform.

“The tour will allow us to reach a broader spectrum of audiences geographically, as well as engage directly with local schools which is a wonderful prospect.”

Tickets are priced from £10, and can be booked at the box office on 01723 370541 or via the website sjt.uk.com