Am dram societies are often found taking to the stage with light-hearted, big-name shows soaked in comedy and fun.

The latest offering from Keswick Amateur Operatic Society is breaking that mould, presenting a thoroughly poignant and heart-rending portrayal of Cumberland life around the turn of the 20th century.

The Hired Man, playing at Theatre by the Lake, is the stage production of Melvyn Bragg’s book of the same name and tells of the trials and tribulations of life for ordinary working-class folk.

Beginning at the Cockermouth Hirings, where farm labourers are seeking work, the show introduces leading characters John and Emily Tallentire, played by James Hutchinson and Julia Bennett, who have moved to a new area to make their way in the world.

Through their eyes, the audience is given an insight into some of the key issues and challenges of the time, from the toil of working the land through the dirt and danger of life in the pits to the impact of World War One.

While the settings may have changed, the impacts of many of the troubles they faced, from relationship issues to family worries, ring as true today as they would have done then and the show brings the audience into the Tallentires’ living room to share each emotion along the way.

The atmospheric set with its backdrop of Lakeland fells provides a natural beauty against which the harsh realities of the industrialised world were set.

The entire show is cleverly staged, with multiple scenes played out alongside one another, split with tableaux, to highlight the contrasts between different characters’ realities.

Impressive choreography has been employed to create a believable yet structured fight scene between John Tallentire and his rival Jackson Pennington (Jack Lenox).

Special effects are used with great impact as the second act storytelling moves to the trenches of the French battlefields in 1914.

James and Julia give powerful performances thoughout, joined in the second half by Samantha Jones and Max Parry as the Tallentire children May and Harry, who powerfully play out some of the trials that have faced families for generations.

Between them and Jack as Jackson, each song is full of emotion and energy, drawing the audience into the story.

Particular mention must go to Simon Noble and Mark Crossley as John’s brothers Isaac and Seth, who help keep the audience gripped by a tale centred on country life, though the whole cast – including Bob the whippet - work together to make the show an enthralling production.

While The Hired Man is not laugh-a-minute comedy, there are no less some comical moments to lighten the mood alongside the reminder that, ultimately, each of us is like any other, shaped by our circumstances and the challenges we face.

The Hired Man runs until Saturday. For tickets call 017687 74411.

SARAH MOORE