FIVE new pieces of work sprang to life in the hands of New Theatre Works, under the Page To Stage project.

The writers, aged 25 and under, came at things from predictably different angles.

From Hereford Sixth Form College student Harriet Diplock we saw The Social Worker.

Directed by Ellie Parker, the humorous piece told the story of a Stonebow Unit patient, whose split personality was represented by two actors (Lyndsay Maples and Val Harrison).

Did The Pope Smoke Dope?, performed by Kate Peden and Tim Evans, was a highlight for me. Great comic timing from the actors, again under the direction of Ellie, made for a topical and lively piece.

The three other works contrasted nicely with the lighter works, all directed by Jude Alderson.

Tarmaccing The Belt by Matt Hartley explored the innocence of youth and the anger and futility of life gone wrong. Excerpts from a longer work detailed a family whose bond with a geographical spot is destroyed.

A young dad, unable to cope with his daughter's rape, tears himself apart.

Waning and Waxing, by Lucy Heywood, is the tale of a young girl's fixation with a childhood friend who has since moved half way across the world.

Lovely acting by Lisa Hogg and Anna Walton helped a complex piece - which dealt with various personality issues and health problems - have lightness of touch and accessibility.

Susan Harrison's Smoking Gun Holding dealt with the relationship between east and west in a warzone. Tam (Sam Crane) is holed up in a derelict building, with nothing but cold baked beans and Neighbours to sustain him.

A liaison with Alexis - a freedom fighter - ensues when he discovers her in hiding and trades her life for an apple.

Again only excerpts were performed.

Arts Council funded, the evening at the Courtyard proved what young talent is about and how it can flourish when pruned by an experienced hand.