THE Swinging Sixties were often hailed as a time of women's liberation, rock and roll and changing morals.

But there was a darker side to the era which often went unreported, emerging only decades later in tragic tales of broken lives and curtailed relationships.

Many unmarried women and girls who found themselves 'in trouble' were often told to give up their child for adoption.

A phrase often used at the time - 'it's the best thing' - is the title of Vamos' play which is told without words.

The story is set in 1966. Susan, 17, is listening to the latest hit record. Her hair is bobbed and eye-lashes curled. For this teenager, life is an adventure waiting to begin. But what happens next turns everything upside down, and its repercussions will last for decades to come.

The Best Thing, is the culmination of two years of research conducted by Rachael Savage, founder of Vamos Theatre, working in collaboration with the production’s composer and script consultant, Janie Amour.

“The title of the play comes from what many women were told when adoption was pressed on them,” says Rachael.

“So many were advised, ‘It’s the best thing for the baby. It’s the best thing for you; sign At first, the sight of the cast wearing masks seems odd. Surely a main part of theatre is the expressions actors share using their face.

But after a few minutes, the masks take on a surreal force, boosting the emotions expressed and telling the story without the need of words. The immobile features of the mask somehow become emotionally engaging on stage.

“Pace, posture, gesture and angle of the mask all have to express visually what isn’t spoken. As a performer, you are anonymous. It’s not a genre for actors with egos," adds Rachel.

Vamos Theatre, established in 2006, specialises in tackling challenging social issues, performing in theatres, schools, conferences, festivals and care homes. Finding Joy, a previous production, explored the impact of dementia on a family.

Wednesday, May 18. Recommended for ages 12+. At 7.30pm. Tickets: £13 / £11 Concessions / £9 Students. Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Box Office: 01823 414141. www.tacchi-morris.com.