AS part of Frome Merlin Theatre’s 50th birthday celebrations, Black Hound Productions returns to the stage with a bold original work, at the EDGE, on 30th and 31st August.

The taut, powerfully emotive two-hander explores climate collapse, moral responsibility and the human instinct to connect, even as the world fragments.

The company is now in its ninth year of creating award-winning, raw, contemporary theatre from its home in Frome, and this new work feels urgently close to home. Co-written by BHP artistic director Patrick Withey and emerging writer Melissa Dart, at the EDGE is performed by Ollie J Edwards and András Gönczöl.

In a world where humanity is slowly fading, two young people find themselves stationed on the frontlines of a national service programme, tasked with rescuing those left behind by rising floodwaters and protecting the country’s shifting borders. Near the completion of their time, Tom and Dec find themselves sitting on the edge of their final deployment – waiting for instructions that never seem to come. But as the waterline climbs, so do the tensions, doubts,and fears that each has buried.

What begins as routine duty slowly unravels into something deeper and more fragile. Against a backdrop of boredom, bureaucracy and the low hum of dread, an unlikely bond is formed, built on humour, shared trauma and the unspoken desire to still feel human.

But trust is hard-won, and when secrets emerge and ideals clash, both men are forced to confront what they’re really fighting for. With the flood rising and communications breaking down, their final mission might be the one that defines them. Will they rise together or be swept away by the tide of uncertainty?

Merlin favourite Ollie J Edwards, in his first role at the venue since BHP’s Seeds of Memories in 2023), plays Tom, a loyal, structured conscript desperate to return home – and desperate for order in a crumbling world. He is joined by András Gönczöl, a Hungarian/Swiss actor trained at Bath Spa University and soon to tour his original solo show House of Cards across Hungary. As Dec, András brings sharp wit and emotional depth.

Performances are at 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and at 7.30 on Saturday 30th August. For more details visit the Merlin website, or www.blackhoundproductions.co.uk