The Crowstarver, a gripping and moving story set in a close-knit rural community in the early days of the Second World War, opens at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre before embarking on a national tour.

It was first brought triumphantly to the stage by Theatre Alibi in 2006 and returns to delight a whole new audience of adults and young people.

This co-production between Exeter Northcott Theatre and Oxford Playhouse tells the story of a baby found abandoned in a lambing pen who is adopted by the shepherd and his wife. As the boy grows up it’s clear to everyone that the mystery of his birth is not the only thing about him that’s special.

John Joseph turns out to have an extraordinary gift with animals of all kinds. Foxes will eat out of his hand, hares and otters come close and he can even gentle a bucking bronco in true horse whisperer style.

As the years pass, being different means John faces threats of all kinds, from prejudice to the war itself.

Box Office: 01392 493493.