A new theatre production exploring the story of a stolen childhood will visit Llandrindod Wells this February.

The Home, written by Herefordshire writer Gill Parsons, tells the story of seven-year-old Uma Taylor, taken from her family in 1957 and placed in a “convalescence home.” These homes, intended to offer children fresh air, exercise, and good food, often caused lasting psychological harm through strict routines, separation from parents, and, in Uma’s case, racial and class prejudice.

Ms Parsons, a retired lecturer and magistrate, drew on her own experiences as well as wider research into post-war Britain’s convalescent homes.

“I’m delighted to see this show produced not just to tell my own story but to shed light on the stories of so many others like me who were taken from their families simply because of who they were and where they were from,” she said.

The script was pickied up by multi-award-winning Herefordshire company Open Sky, an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation.

All eight principal roles, including Uma, are performed by solo artist Genevieve Sabherwal, whose recent credits include Ashes By Convoy at The Soho Theatre and Polly – The Heartbreak Opera at The Lowry. Directors Claire Coaché and Lisle Turner, both from Herefordshire, use physical theatre, puppetry, object manipulation, and a soundscape blending 1950s songs with classical and original music to bring the story to life.

The Llandrindod Wells performance will take place at Celf o Gwmpas on Wednesday February 11 at 7pm. St Peters Church/Hub, Peterchurch will also host a performance on Friday, February 13 at 3pm. The production is part of a UK Shared Prosperity Fund initiative, created in residence at Hereford College of Art.

Tickets for the Llandrindod performance can be purchased at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-home-tickets-1978379922605 and tickets for Peterchurch can be purchased by emailing [email protected]