SALISBURY Playhouse is to stage a new play that won the first ever Theatre Fest West writer’s prize, Hansel.

Hansel by Devon-based playwright Shiona Morton is about an elderly hoarder, Edith, who is visited by her daughter, Viv, for her quarterly clean-out. Tensions rise when Viv discovers Edith’s friendship with a teenage boy sleeping rough in the woods outside Edith’s cottage.

Funny, beautiful and poignant, Hansel is an atmospheric story of rural life and family relationships.

The Salberg will be converted into a wood for the production, representing both the inside and outside of Edith’s home.

Elizabeth Counsell (Born to Kill) plays Edith, Zara Ramm (Grandpa in My Pocket) plays Viv and Lee Rufford (My Brilliant Friend, BBC Radio 4) plays the Boy.

Hansel is being directed by Salisbury Playhouse Associate Director Jo Newman. It runs in The Salberg from Wednesday 14 March to Saturday 24 March.

Shiona Morton won the 2017 Theatre Fest West Writers’ Prize, chosen from hundreds of entries from across the South West. Her other work includes The Company of Wolves, an outdoor piece presented at Longleat as part of the 2015 Salisbury International Arts Festival.

Hansel is generously supported by The Foyle Foundation and Frank and Elizabeth Brenan.

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling Ticket Sales on 01722 320333 or by visiting www.salisburyplayhouse.com.