MALVERN Theatre Players will bring the plight of homeless children in Victorian London to life in their next production.

Based on a true story, Street Child, a musical version of the play by Berlie Docherty, tells the story of Jim Jarvis, a boy in Victorian London who is left on the streets when his mother dies.

A spokesman said: "Rounded up and taken to the workhouse, Jim soon escapes. Choosing a hard life on the streets rather than being trapped behind workhouse walls, Jim finds friends among other children like himself, and joins their struggle to survive. Homeless, moving from job to job, exploited, starving, but never losing hope, he is found and looked after by Doctor Barnardo, who is starting a school for ragged street children.

"Jim Jarvis was a real person, whose plight inspired Dr. Barnardo to found his famous children's homes."

Street Child will be performed at The Coach House Theatre Grange Road, Malvern from Monday May 15 to Friday May 19 at 7.30pm , and on Saturday May 20 at 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm.

Tickets on 01684 892277, www.malvern-theatres.co.uk