THERE could hardly be a greater contrast between the previous production presented at Skipton Little Theatre and the next. Following a fifty-odd-year old Ayckbourn comedy the Skipton Players are putting on a modern hard hitting psychological prison drama - Iron.

Rona Munro, the author, has written for television, including for Casualty and Dr Who. She has adapted Watership Down for the stage, and written for Stanley Baxter on the radio. This drama, was written for Edinburgh's prestigious Traverse Theatre, which specialises in new writing. She has also written for Manchester's Royal Exchange and for the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Fay is serving a life sentence. Prison life is hard and gritty, but she is accustomed to it. She has never had any visitors. She sees no hope of release. Then Josie, her daughter arrives.

In a series of visits, mother and daughter learn about each other's lives, and they start to probe into their pasts. Memories can be powerful. What is the truth? How much can they share? Can Fay get freedom in some way through her daughter?

Everything is supervised by the prison Guards. Are they kind and caring, or cruel and vindictive?

This play is hard and gritty. It could offend some. It exposes adult themes and uses some very strong language.

Iron is being produced by Elva Pryal at Skipton Little Theatre, Tuesday April 18 to Saturday, April 22. She has a long experience in amateur and semi-professional theatre, and this is her third play for Skipton Players.

Skipton Little Theatre is on Clifford Street, just off Cavendish Street, and just around the corner from Tesco. Tickets must be booked – there are only 72 seats, so they can be in short supply. Booking can be by: telephone - 07527 141176 (after April 4) or through the website: http://www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/book-online/