AN INTRIGUING and thought-provoking stage play is premiering at St Neot Church, near Liskeard, on Friday, October 9.

The fast-moving and entertaining Hour Before Nightfall is based on the true story of Frederick Densham, a mysterious living hermit who lived in the remote Bodmin Moor village of Warleggan from 1931 until his death in 1953.

Written about by Daphne du Maurier and others, the story is rooted in the landscape of Cornwall and is driven by the evolving relationship between its two contrasting characters - the eccentric Rev Densham, and a young American journalist from Life Magazine on her first European assignment.

Playwright Shane Scott said: “Hour Before Nightfall offers an intriguing and enjoyable evening in the theatre. The play has been described as a surprisingly moving piece of theatrical storytelling. When the worlds of the two very different characters collide, the outcome is really quite magical.

“With Jo Loyn directing, Charlie Coldfield in the role of Frederick Densham and Senga Clarke-Côté in the role of Barbara Kushman Jones, I'm fortunate to be working with a really great director and company of professional actors.’

The inaugural performance will take place at St Neot Church, three miles from where the play is set. The tour takes in nine venues and ends on November 1.

See website for further details and information on how to book, visit: www.hour-before-nightfall.com