THERE could hardly be a greater contrast between the previous production presented at Skipton Little Theatre and the show the Skipton Players is staging next week.

Following a 50 odd year old Alan Ayckbourn comedy, they are putting on the modern, hard-hitting psychological prison drama Iron,

Iron is a play that pulls no punches and it will run at the Skipton Little Theatre, on Clifford Street, from Tuesday to Saturday, April 22.

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.

The story is about Fay, a woman serving a life sentence.

Prison life is hard and gritty, but she is accustomed to it.

She has never had any visitors and 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, but what is the truth and 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 and could offend some.

It exposes adult themes and uses very strong language, and is not suitable for children.

Iron is being produced by Elva Pryal, who has extensive experience in amateur and semi-professional theatre. This is her third play for Skipton Players.

With only 72 seats in the theatre, tickets must be booked as they can be in short supply.

Bookings can be made by telephone on 07527 141176 or by visiting skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/book-online/