A NEW Oxford-based theatre production company will mark National Older People’s Week to showcase its inaugural play about loneliness and isolation.

Human Story Theatre in association with Oxford Concert Party will launch "Flat 73" on October 4 at 7.30pm at the Oxford Fire Station before moving to other Oxfordshire venues.

The play, exploring themes of isolation and loneliness coincides with Older People's Week between October 1 and 8.

The one-hour play written by local playwright Gaye Poole is set at Battersby Buildings, a building made up of 75 flats where very few people know each other.

Laura, a Samaritan, who lives at number 73 brings everybody together on one fateful day.

Arts partnership manager at Age UK Oxfordshire Farrell Curran said: “I am keen to support this project and the high quality artists that are developing this work in Oxford.

“More needs to be done to raise these important issues and a tour such as this is a very welcomed approach in the country.”

Each show will have a 20-minute Q&A with an expert from the Samaritans and other organisations which offer support to lonely and isolated people.

The play also has dates at Oxfordshire Hub Banbury on October 6, Eynsham Village on October 7, Witney’s Corn Exchange on October 8 and Barton’s Neighbourhood Centre on October 9.

The show will perform again on October 8 at the Old Fire Station.

To guarantee a seat book via oldfirestation.org.uk or call 01865 263990.