AN "astonishing" night of theatre was staged in an unlikely venue - Hettie's Bistro in Skipton.

The evening was the result of a fortunate meeting of ways - the High Street bistro was looking at providing themed evenings and young actress Clementine Bogg-Hargrove was looking for a way to develop her own professional career.

She performed the one-woman play, Spine, by Clara Brennan.

Local thespian Jay Cundell Walker, who was at the event, said: "The choice of play was excellent. It appeared to be new to the whole audience.

"The introductory section would lead one to believe that this was to be yet another Essex girl teenage rant against the world, absolutely full of robust adult language and references. But as the short play evolved, much stronger themes emerged and it became obvious that the playwright had a clear message to impart.

"The ethical stance was, in fact, one of a much earlier generation. The piece was thought-provoking, moving and very, very funny.

"A small clue is in the title, but if you were told this was to be a play about libraries, you would be unlikely to leave your warm winter fireside. So it is perhaps advantageous that the word 'spine' has many other relevant connotations, and indeed 'spine' is exactly what Amy develops.

"Clementine Bogg-Hargrove understood this piece completely. She understood a 17-year-old Londoner whose lifestyle appears to doom her to be a no-hoper. Amy is portrayed with pace and vigour. She is completely believable. This makes the portrayal of Glenda, the old lady all the more enjoyable. The relationship between the two characters is believable and moving.

"Clara Brennan has written a piece which considers old age with a real clarity of insight. It reminded the audience that the elderly were once young and angry too. Inside they may still feel these emotions and often their principals are still intact. They sometimes just lack the ability to act upon their beliefs."

Clementine is now seeking other venues to perform her one-woman show and anyone who would like to host an event, should email info@hettiescafebistro.co.uk