SWINDON playwright Matt Fox is no stranger to keeping it in the family, working and writing alongside his wife on several occasions.

His latest work Family Play is centred all around family relationships but, in true Fox tradition, Matt tells the tale through the eyes of an eight-year-old child, played by his real daughter.

Poppy Fox-Thompson is taking the leading role of a worldly wise little girl called Alice.

The drama presented by Madam Renards Theatre Company, takes place at Artsite, Post Modern Art Gallery, Theatre Square, Swindon, from Friday, July 17, to Sunday, July 19, at 7.30pm.

Matt, like many great playwrights, did his apprenticeship in a real theatre, joining a writer’s group belonging to Plymouth Royal Theatre.

He went on to take a degree in English and an MA in professional writing.

He came to Swindon in 2006, and is best known in the town for his work with internationally acclaimed composer Betty Roe, when they worked on Swindon: the Opera, which was funded by a successful bid to the Big Lottery.

Matt said: “I passionately believe the arts are not, and should not, be seen as an elitist thing, and by writing opera in particular, I challenge that preconception.’’

Other operas written by Matt, in conjunction with his wife Jessie Thompson, are The Beggar’s Opera, Nights and a musical theatre production called Madrababes.

Matt is keen to pass on his knowledge and inspire young actors, singers and writers.

He is a trustee of the Janice Thompson Performance Trust and takes courses on writing at Swindon’s New College.

Family Play turns the conventional idea of how a family unit should operate on its head.

Tickets to Family Play are £5.50 per person, £20.20 per group of five from 01793 466454 or the Visitor Information Centre at the Swindon Central Library.