BASED on the Victorian novella, Wooden Tony, Richard Conlon’s play The Boy At The Edge of the Room focuses on a character that displays many of the classic traits of those on the autistic spectrum.

The play has been brought to life by Forest Forge theatre company, who are bringing it to Bridport Arts Centre on March 25 and Dorchester Corn Exchange on April 6.

A boy called Tony struggles to fit in and find his place. He has a different way of looking at the world and longs to retreat to a place where he can be ‘nothing more than small and far off’.

Those surrounding him have little patience for his dreams, with the exception of his mother who will do anything to ensure his happiness. When a mysterious ‘dealer’ offers Tony the chance to make his dream come true, his mother must face a future without him and the audience is forced to confront an unsettling and moving ending.

Forest Forge artistic director Kirstie Davis said: “I read the play and it absolutely blew me away, I knew I had to do it.

“It’s like the inverse of the Pinocchio story.”

Tickets are £10 plus concessions and the play has an age limit of 12.

To book tickets for Bridport Arts Centre contact 01308 424204 or visit bridport-arts.com. To book tickets for Dorchester Corn Exchange contact Dorchester Arts 01305 266926 or Tourist Information Centre 267992 or book online at www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.