A DOUBLE bill of new work is in the spotlight at the Brewery Arts Centre Friday and Saturday (18th and 19th) as the curtain rises on a major script-writing project.

Ian Chapman's According to the Book and Raising Zygmunt by Zosia Wand came out top from 25 original scripts submitted to New Plays, New Work, a project developed by South Cumbria Playwrights, North West Playwrights, and Word Market - South Cumbria's Literature Festival.

Six scripts were chosen to be developed further through workshops and local public readings, with the two strongest plays earmarked for this weekend's showcase night at the Kendal arts centre, followed by a post show discussion.

Brewery boss Sam Mason directs Ian's play, which is about a reunion between three forty-something friends. Two of them, Brian and Henry, have remained close, still tinkering on in the garage together, both single and trying to recapture their youth.

The third, John, hasn't seen the other two for nigh on 20 years, having started a family and taken on the responsibilities that go with it.

Their common interest is motorcycling, but behind the brashness and confidence is a secret that Henry holds: with Brian's guidance he is rebuilding a motorbike an old Kawasaki with apparently some significance.

Ian lectures in Business Strategy and Economics at St Martin's College, Lancaster, and is studying for an MA in Creative Writing.

His writing experience includes Not Quite a Classic and Scuppered in Scotland, two short stories published in Used Bike Guide, three contributions to Kawasaki Owners Club and two unpublished novels The Football Club and Feraland.

Stefan Escreet directs Zosia's highly anticipated piece, which is set in Poland, in February 1993, three years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

Three women play cards late into the night in a crumbling old villa inhabited by several families since the evacuation of Warsaw during the Second World War.

They all have secrets but how much will be revealed and at what cost is what awaits the Brewery audience.

Zosia has had two plays broadcast on Radio 4: A Half Name For A Half Person and Between Friends.

She studied English Literature at Birmingham University and has an MA in Creative Writing from Lancaster University. When she is not pursuing her own writing, she teaches and works in the community encouraging new writers.

It sounds like a great night in store with professional casts, bringing both Zosia's and Ian's new plays to life.

Tickets cost £7/ concessions £6 and are available at the Brewery box office on 01539-725133.

Actors (from back, left) John Carter, Hayley Doherty and Vanessa Rosenthal with (front) Tim Wild, Jon Adamson and June Broughton. They are the cast for the the New Plays North West productions at Kendal Brewery Arts Centre.