Tickets for cricket-themed play Duck at The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre in Bordon on May 14 at 7.30pm are available for just £5.

This is thanks to a Councillor Community Grant from East Hampshire district councillor Adeel Shah to “support access to diverse storytelling for under-represented audiences”.

Duck, by award-winning playwright Maatin, is set in England’s Ashes-winning summer of 2005 when British Indian 14-year-old Ismail is about to become the youngest-ever player in his elite public school’s first XI cricket team.

He sets his sights on immortality, breaking the school batting record and getting his name into Wisden. The play is about adolescence, the pressures of sporting competition and finding your identity in an environment that does not cater for difference.

The tale speaks about themes of belonging and representation, making it perfect for an initiative aimed at inclusion and community engagement.

Phoenix chief executive Rob Allerston said: “We’re incredibly grateful to East Hampshire District Council for this support. Our building should be for everyone, and this funding helps break down barriers – whether financial or cultural – to ensure more people in our community feel welcome in our venue and see their stories reflected on stage.”

Cllr Shah added: "The best way to bring a community together is to allow people of all backgrounds to experience different cultures that they might not know much about.

“It's a pleasure to share part of my grant with the Phoenix centre to contribute towards the people of Whitehill & Bordon coming together and finding another reason to learn about each other."

The Councillor Community Grant scheme enables local organisations and community groups to apply for funding that benefits East Hampshire residents.

A Phoenix spokesperson added: “This grant demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to supporting cultural activity and inclusive programming across the district.”

For tickets call 01420 472664 or visit phoenixarts.co.uk