A TEENAGE writer will see his play come to life at Studio Theatre next week.

Benedict Barrett, 14, wrote The Biscuit Tin after studying the First World War at Bishop Wordsworth’s School.

Now he and a cast of 20 are rehearsing hard to ensure his ideas, interpreted by director Sally Marshall, become flesh and blood over a four-day run at the Ashley Road venue.

He said: “I’d like to write, and I like history and I don’t know what direction I’ll take yet. I do procrastinate a lot – I started writing The Biscuit Tin, stopped for a few months then started again.

“I’m pleased with what Sally is doing with the play – even when I feel she’s doing something different than I had imagined it works.

“I couldn’t direct it myself – my ego would get in the way, and my dad says I am the only person he knows who interrupts themselves.”

The central character Ken, a war veteran, forms an unlikely bond with a boy who comes to steal from him.

The pair swap stories and discover shared feelings and their tales are brought to life by a cast of 20 youngsters aged between ten and 17.

Go to studiotheatre.org.uk for more details of the youth theatre, which performs a show each year and often gets involved in the adult group’s performances, too.

The Biscuit Tin will be performed at Studio Theatre from February 24-27.

Tickets priced £10 and £8 are available from the information centre in Fish Row or on 01722 342860.