A group of amateur thespians has proved once again it is up for a challenge by tackling tough subject matter in its new production on stage in Abingdon next week.

Earlier this year, Abingdon Drama Club transformed the small Unicorn Theatre stage into medieval France for Henry V and its last production, in July, was The Elephant Man, a tale that was already in the public consciousness because of its West End run and Hollywood cast.

Now Abingdon Drama Club members are pushing themselves again, this time with a première of a new play set in the military hospital in Camp Bastion during the height of the conflict in Afghanistan. Another Man’s Eden, which will be performed at the Unicorn Theatre on Wednesday to Saturday next week, is based on the experiences of people working in the hospital operations room.

It is these people who saw everyone passing through the hospital and everything from the best of humanity to the most horrific realities of war.

The play is a study of the people working in such an environment – from the doctors and nurses of the medical teams to the downtrodden soldier who has to make the tea.

It places the conversations and humour that were used to fill the long hours of inactivity next to the sudden and frantic action of those working in an environment where lives are at risk and speed is crucial. Penned by local writer Tony Green, who himself served with a medical unit in Helmand province in 2009, it is based on actual conversations, events and his own experiences.

Mr Green explained: “Those going to see Another Man’s Eden will not be watching a play that preaches about the rights and wrongs of war, or the politics involved in what is fast becoming the recognised myth of the conflict. It is a play that tries to avoid these subjects.”

The play has a particular resonance for director Maria Crocker. She said: “I grew up with the Armed Forces. My dad completed several tours in Ireland and was involved in the conflict in the Falklands. My brother also served in the Royal Logistic Corps in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I remember being like Sergeant Stratton (in Another Man’s Eden) sitting watching war movies with my dad on a Sunday afternoon. Since I decided to become a director with Abingdon Drama Club I always knew my first full play would be something war-related. Tony asked me to read his play and I fell in love with it.”

Another Man’s Eden is on at Unicorn Theatre, Checker Walk, Abingdon, from Wednesday to Saturday, September 23-26.

Tickets are £10/£8. Call 0845 463 6638 or see abingdon-drama-club.com