THE disturbing and poignant story of a youth who is forced to confront the terrible events of his past is the theme of Peter Shaffer’s play Equus, which comes to West Dorset this month.

Based on real-life events and performed by London Classic Theatre, the play tells the tale of 17-year-old Alan Strang who is sent to a secure psychiatric hospital after he brutally blinds six horses with a metal spike at a Hampshire stable.

Child psychiatrist Martin Dysart is assigned to him and while Alan is initially quiet and uncooperative, he gradually starts to trust Dysart.

As his rehabilitation continues, the truth starts to emerge.

But if Alan is ever going to move on, he must confront his demons and relive the difficult memories of that terrible night.

Equus was first staged in 1973 at the Royal National Theatre in London and in 1977 a film adaptation starring Richard Burton and Peter Firth was released.

In 2007, Equus was revived on the West End stage in a production starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths.

London Classic Theatre, which celebrated a decade on tour in 2010, has a reputation for bringing challenging drama to theatre-goers.

Equus contains strong language, adult themes and nudity – it is not suitable for people aged 14 and under.

The performance is at Bridport Arts Centre on May 19 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the box office on 01308 424204 and cost £15 plus concessions.