An innovative theatre show focusing on climate change and recycling is visiting Southampton this week.

Stories in the Dust, a family theatre show, will be performed at MAST Mayflower Studios on Saturday, October 5.

The show is created by Iona Johnson and Anna Harriott, with support from Ian Williams, professor of applied environmental science at the University of Southampton.

The creators are also conducting workshops at local schools, including Freemantle CE Community Academy and Highfield CE Primary School, discussing climate change and its challenges.

Audio installations capturing children's thoughts on climate change and recycling will be made during the workshops.

These recordings will be available online and played at the live performance.

The trio also authored a paper published in the scientific journal Civic Partners in Net Zero, presented at the House of Commons in April.

The paper discusses how the arts can effectively inspire social change and communicate climate science research.

Currently, Stories in the Dust is touring the country, engaging with local communities through workshops and creating audio installations that amplify young people's voices, alongside performing the show.

Outlining the production, Anna said: "Set in a dystopian landscape, the show is an eco-fable that hits on topics around climate change, friendship and hope.

"It’s a fun show, aimed at 5 to 12-year-olds, with music and puppetry. We’ve carried the messaging through to the set too, which is all made from recycled and recovered materials."

Ian said: "The premise of the show is to accurately represent a dystopian possibility for climate change, but to end with a message of hope.

"The idea is also to encourage young people to explain to older people the science behind climate change, as this is a powerful way of conveying messages."

Iona added: "From the work we have done so far in primary schools, it’s clear that the majority of children in Key Stage 2 are very aware of climate change and have lots of interesting questions about it.

"Working with Ian, they have been able to ask their questions direct to an environmental scientist."

For more information about the tour, visit the Stories in the Dust website.