THE 1812 Theatre Company, company in residence at Helmsley Arts Centre, presents Amanda Whittington's Be My Baby from Wednesday to Saturday.

"In the 1960s, it was unacceptable to be pregnant out of wedlock, with many pregnant girls being sent to church-run maternity homes to live out their pregnancies in secrecy and shame," says director Kat Lunn.

"This moving play explores the two-month stay of Mary, who is adamant about keeping her baby, and the story of three other 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 or will she be forced to conform to society's expectations?"

Tickets for the 7.30pm performances cost £19, concessions £9 , at helmsleyarts.co.uk or on 01439 771700, Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.