Student actors are telling the true story of a revolutionary theatre company during Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.

Mephisto, produced by Oxford University student company HeartSleeve Productions, opens at the Playhouse tomorrow and runs until Saturday.

Director Milja Fenger said: “The play follows a group of writers and actors who came together to promote socialism through cabaret.

“Each of their stories is a small tragedy, but Mephisto also brilliantly displays the dangerous excitement – the sex, music and politics that infused their daring shows.”

Producer Jess Campbell said: “It is very funny and quite rude, but in the second half it becomes quite dark and very sad. It is based on a true story so all the characters are real. It’s a tribute to them as well.”

Joseph Allan, 20, who plays theatre owner Magnus, added: “It is quite provocative, it’s quite exciting and it has quite an intense conclusion.”

He is pictured, centre, with Philippa Baines as Myriam and Tim Gibson as Otto.

For tickets, call 01865 305305 or see oxfordplayhouse.com.