A TISBURY playwright is having her first short play performed at the Camden Fringe.

Karen Lockyer’s play The Visitor is at the Hen and Chickens , 109 St Pauls Road, Highbury Corner, London on Thursday, August 23 and Friday 24,

She says: “It is very exciting, scary and a little surreal being part of the Camden Fringe as it is quite a big affair with around 300 performances. The play is very much written from the heart and I am so proud of how the actors have brought it to life and together we have made it happen.”

The play stars Karen’s daughter Poppy Abbott, who was a member of Stage 65 and also trained with the National Youth Theatre.

On her inspiration for the play Karen says: “It started with a challenge to write a short story, which evolved into a play. My daughter Poppy is an aspiring actress/writer and really my inspiration to get it performed on a stage. Together we have cast, produced and directed it.

“The show is a dark comedy with a twist. The Visitor takes you back to the 80s for a nostalgic moment in time. The play highlights themes of drug abuse, naivety and vulnerability in young adults. These themes are timeless, so even though it is set nearly 40 years ago it rings true of today.”

It also stars Lauren Alexandra who has performed in the Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) and alongside Kenneth Branagh in The Entertainer.

Karen says: “This is my first attempt at writing and I have amazed myself at what you can achieve when you put your mind to it. I have always been artistic working as a make- up artist and worked on sets, but it is a very different experience when you are in the driving seat from beginning to end.

“I never thought I would have been able to write a play less actually get it performed, which makes this project that much more special.”