Outdoor theatre in March is a brave decision, but Home Fires at Newhaven Fort, pulls it off very well.

The community play explores life on the home front during the First World War in Newhaven, and the audience is kept warm moving around the fort.

Initially it is believed that the invincible British Empire would end the war by Christmas, but as the professional army struggles it becomes clear that Britain will expect all its men to take up arms.

As more and more troops arrive at a camp in Seaford, those with fathers and husbands fighting in Belgium and France begin to worry for their safety.

Sara Clifford’s script delicately explores the mixed emotions on the home front through a local family, soldiers stationed in Seaford, and Newhaven’s telegram girl, Grace Crismas.

Evelyn Lockley is delightful as Grace, moving from a bubbly and naive optimism to fear and frustration as she reads the letters sent home by serving soldiers.

The creative use of projectors and music, and the way various locations within the fort are used draws an audience in, creating an immersive and emotional evening in a dramatic location.