THERE’S more new writing taking place at the Headgate Theatre in Colchester - this time from Beaumont playwright and actor Jazz Ely.

In the short space of time Jazz has been appearing on the local theatre scene, the 21 year-old has made quite a name for herself.

Starting off in the Colchester Theatre Group’s The Country Wife back in 2013, Jazz has recently made acclaimed performances in The Accrington Pals and The Cripple of Inishmaan.

Now she’s showing her talent for making theatre as well as being in it with her play The Theory of Nat and Mike.

“I’ve been writing lots for a while,” she tells me, “but this is the first time one of my plays has been put on.

“The play takes a close look in a honest way at the abuse mentally and physically that goes on between two people that are stuck in what feels like a vicious cycle.”

After studying for a two year diploma in acting at Colchester Institute, the former Tendring Technology College student has recently been accepted on to a theatre-making course at Central in London.

Which makes the process of putting on her new play even more rewarding.

Featuring local actors Shane Whitworth as Mike, Claire Walkinshaw as Nat and Demi Teager as Nat’s friend Alex, as well as writing the play, Jazz is also directing.

“We workshopped the play with lots of different actors,” Jazz adds, “and it’s changed quite a bit since we first started. It’s quite tough going with strong language and a little bit of nudity but it’s funny as well. The cast have been brilliant experimenting with lots of different ideas and I can’t wait to show it to people to see what they think.”

• Theory of Nat and Mike, Headgate Theatre, Chapel Street North, Colchester.

March 4 and 5. 7.30pm.

£6, £4 concessions. 01206 366000.

www.headgatetheatre.co.uk