The Warminster School Drama Department's production of

Coram Boy

, held at the Merlin Theatre, Frome, was striking for its ambition and audacity.

Based on an award-winning children's historical novel, the story is set in the 18th century and tells a complex tale set in two cities – Gloucester and London.

It involves a household of the wealthy squirearchy and the precarious lives of those who are poor and friendless.

Through extraordinary twists of fate and acts of courage these two contrasting worlds become intricately entwined.

In the first half of the play, the reputation of the Coram Hospital for Foundlings in London is exploited by the sinister Otis Gardiner who cajoles young women into giving their illegitimate babies into his murderous hands. They pay Gardiner money in the misguided belief that he will convey their child straight to the safety of the Coram Hospital.

At the other end of the social scale, we encounter Alexander Ashbrook, the high-minded and musical teenage son of a wealthy squire. Alexander, is at the mercy of the adult world – in this case his unimaginative and cold father, Sir William Ashbrook, who ignores Alexander's artistic aspirations and disowns him when he is thwarted.

A theatrical saga spanning a decade, the story unfolds episodically, demanding a huge number of scene changes and sustained pace and energy from all members of the cast. Ambitious, yes, but in this case confidently achieved.

There was some splendid acting talent on show. Jacob Cooper, as Alexander Ashbrook, captured well the intensity and aloofness of a young man driven by his art.

Andrew Langford was a most appealing Thomas Ledbury, Alexander's musical and demonstrative friend from the other side of the tracks.

Tom Batten as Otis Gardiner and the equally loathsome Phillip Gaddarn, was truly chilling, while Blair Collins-Thomas played Meshak, Gardiner's epileptic son, most movingly. Susie Joyce brought great emotional power to the part of Lady Ashbrook.

So too did, Hannah Dazeley, as Mrs Lynch the Ashbrooks' housekeeper who lives in thrall to Otis Gardiner but struggles to be free.

Special tributes too must go to the two Coram Boys who captured well the bright-eyed liveliness of eight-year-old lads: Matthew Stone as Aaron Dangerfield and Alex Shad, as Toby Gaddarn.

There were many other examples of good acting and timing and there is not space to do everyone full justice. It was impressive to see this young cast working so well together in such a complex production.

Alex Morgan