A satirical game show where justice is entertainment and public opinion is everything is coming to The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre in Bordon on July 17 at 7.30pm.

In The Witching Hour, contestants fight for survival through storytelling, charisma and crowd manipulation in a world where being liked could save their lives - or destroy them.

With absurd humour, sharp wit and a biting critique of celebrity culture, it explores reputation, power and the pressures of performance in modern society.

It has been written and will be performed by the ReBels Young Company, a group of artists aged from 18 to 25 who are part of the Barbican Theatre’s ReBels programme.

Over a ten-month placement, participants receive professional mentorship and hands-on experience to develop, produce and tour an original theatre production.

They are paid for their time and contributions, develop professional-level work in collaboration with leading industry creatives, gain skills in writing, producing, marketing, design and performance, tour nationally to reach new audiences and build sustainable careers, and tackle real-world issues through their storytelling and writing.

Phoenix Arts marketing manager Sally McIlhone said: “Giving opportunities to young creatives is such an important endeavour, so we really hope the community will get behind this production.”

The Barbican Theatre started ReBels in response to a 2023 Creative UK report which found that nearly 60 per cent of young creatives had worked unpaid, and many were unable to sustain creative careers without additional income. ReBels pays them, supports them holistically and shows them what is possible.

Dulcie Fenton, executive producer of the ReBels Young Company, said: “We don’t just develop performers. We develop producers, directors, facilitators and change-makers. We treat them as professionals from day one.”

For tickets, priced £15 (£14 concessions/members), visit https://www.phoenixarts.co.uk/. Subject to availability, they will also be on sale at the door.