WHEN writer Bernie Crosthwaite, met actor and director Len Taylor at the Ilkley & District U3A Crime Readers Group, little did they realise that only a year later they would be collaborating to put on a play at the Ilkley Playhouse this autumn.

'All We Know of Heaven' is the first full-length play written by Knaresborough writer Bernie, although she has previously written crime novels and award winning short stories. The staging of the play came about after Bernie gave Len the play to read. He liked it so much he put it forward to the Fringe Committee at the Ilkley Playhouse, who unanimously agreed to stage it. As a result, the play will be premiered in the Wildman Theatre at the Ilkley Playhouse in September.

Bernie describes her play as “gritty, playful, tender, brutal, humorous and dark.” It explores the relationship between a mother Moira, (played by Ellen Shorrock) and her son Simon, (played by Elliot Benn), and what happens when a third person Gina, (played by Charlotte Calvert) enters their claustrophobic world. All three actors are local – living in Leeds and Ben Rhydding.

Bernie is unsure where the inspiration for her play comes from. She says that it is definitely not about her own relationship with her sons, but might have echoes of the strict and sometimes repressive relationship between her mother and her brothers. Described as a ‘dark tale of emotional highs and lows’, the play is written in such a way that it allows the actors to develop their characters and draws the audience in as the story unfolds. The set is minimalist with only a few props and relies on the imagination to do the rest. The play is fast moving with plenty of action to keep the audience involved.

Len said: “This is a first for me to be able to collaborate both with the author and the actors putting on the play as the author would wish."

Elliot, who plays Simon, was blown away when he read the script. He said: “It is amazing. I couldn’t believe how good it was. I have never played a character like this before.”

The pre-season premiere of All We Know of Heaven is presented at the Ilkley Fringe in the Wildman Theatre, Ilkley Playhouse, from September 1-3. Audiences should be aware that this play has adult themes. See it on Facebook at facebook.com/allweknowofheaven, book online through ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk or contact the Box Office on 01943 609539. Tickets are £6.00.

For more information about the U3A visit www.ilkleyu3a.org