Swindon playwright, Matthew Clift, has had one of his plays picked for the National Festival of Drama and another is being stage in Bristol next month.

Matthew is Theatre Production Manager and a lecturer at Swindon's New College and a founder member of Whole Hog Theatre Company.

His one act play, Recidivists, was published by the Drama Association of Wales, and was picked by the Abbey Players of Nuneaton to perform in the national competition, tomorrow Friday, July 24.

Matthew said: "Recidivists premiered in 2010 in a professional production I directed at The Alma Pub Theatre in Bristol. Subsequently it was staged by Swindon's Old Town Theatre Company where it was entered for the All English Theatre Festival and won various awards on its way to the British Final, which was held at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon in 2011.''

Matthew will be attending the performance by the Abbey Players, and he will meet the cast and director when they stage the play, as part of the National Drama Festival Association British All Winners Final, which takes place in Woking this week.

Along with Recidivists there are various one act and full length plays from all over Britain being showcased during this week of festival.

Matthew said: "Recidivists is set in a cramped prison cell where two contrasting characters must learn to live with each other in a pressure cooker environment. they have only their memories and flights of fancy to help them survive.''

Matthew and Whole Hog Theatre Company are bringing another of his plays, Only In The Dark, back to The Alma Tavern Theatre, from Monday, August 24 to Saturday, August 29 at 8pm.

Opening in 1997, the Alma Theatre takes great pride in being the oldest pub theatre in Bristol.

Matthew said: "The play is set around Vic and Ernie, who have been in the dark waiting for the 'light' for as long as they can remember. When the enigmatic Gnod finally brings their salvation, their prayers seem to be answered. But as their new existence begins we discover whether it really is the utopia they have dreamed of.''

Matthew's play stars Swindon actors Becky Cann, Fenella Harrop, Max and Michael Sly.

Tickets are £9 and concession £7 from www.almatavernandtheatre.co.uk/theatre/booking. - Flicky Harrison