Exams, love and life goals are all part of a coming-of-age play which takes to the stage at the Rose Theatre next month.

Stay with Me is a journey of a group of teenagers that experience the loss of a friend which spurs them all on to take on difficult challenges in her memory.

The Rose Youth Theatre presents this moving story that takes audiences from a funeral in act one to a festive treat through to the end in a narrative that audiences of all ages can relate to in one way or another.

Ciaran McConville, education director and playwriter, says: “I wanted to write a play about that moment when you are 18 and have everything stretched out in front of you. You’re not just someone’s daughter or son – it is about what you are going to be, who you are going to be.

“There are some really new challenges that young people face now such as cyber bullying, the need to have their CV filled up even before they leave school, exam pressures. I wanted to talk about these pressures and challenges.

“We wanted a Christmas play that was both emotive and funny. It has kind of got that feeling of redemption. There is a feel good element.”

The story takes a group of friends through one summer that they will not forget taking in themes of travel, loss, friendship, compassion and humanity following the death of the charismatic character Louisa.

McConville says: “This is the first generation of actors that will leave the Rose Youth Theatre so we wanted to give them a challenging piece and something moving to work on.”

Stay with Me, Rose Theatre, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, varying show times, £10 and £6 concessions, call box office on 020 8546 6983, visit rosetheatrekingston.org.