Multi-talented Stocksfield actor to star in own play

"Amateur dramatics gets a lot of bad press and I wanted to give something back to the community." Sow Tears, Reap Joy revolves around the disintegrating marriage of Ben and Lucy as they try to get through Ben's birthday celebrations with minimal aggravation.

But events conspire against them and the facade they try to present to the world begins to wear away, exposing their true feelings.

If it all sounds a bit miserable, Alex guarantees there's plenty of humour along the way.

"The funny thing is, I wanted to get away from comedy and write a serious play but I kept ending up with funny bits that I didn't intend to, and it's accidentally turned into a comedy. The play is trying to explore how the choices we make can have unexpected results."

Alex plans to offer the script to other amateur theatre groups for a smaller fee than is normally charged.

Helen Morris, who plays Ben's wife, Lucy, says: "This is quite a daring departure for a village amateur group, as we rely on ticket money to fund next year's performances. A debut production from an unknown playwright is a gamble, but one that the group was willing to take."

Sow Tears, Reap Joy is at the Stocksfield Institute Community Association tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7 or £5 for children.