Wealth, woes and a war - the incredible story of the local asylum has been turned into a play which amazingly will include recollections from some of the descendants of those who worked there.

The Keyford Ayslum, which closed in 1956, had a rich and varied history. It was founded by the tanner Richard Stevens and presided over by Thomas Bunn.

It's main purpose was as a hospital for old men and an educational establishment for young girls in the town preparing to go into service with wealthy families. But in the war years it became a Red Cross hospital for injured soldiers, a barracks and a billet for evacuees.

The Last Matron, which is being staged at Rook Lane chapel, is a tribute to people who lived there, a 'scrapbook history' made up of a series of stories linked together by the protective presence of the matron.

A young girl rebels against a Victorian institution, young lovers are torn apart by war, evacuees are ready to take whatever Hitler can throw at them! 

During the making of the play Kevin Ross has also been able to contact some of the descendants of the characters in the play to enrich the story with their recollections. 

This is a piece of independent theatre by a new writer, Dramakarma, the Keyford History Group and co-produced by David Lassman. The group is currently rehearsing in the Frome Museum

Tickets are on sale now -from Dramakarma HERE