MANY people share a secret desire to snatch fame and fortune by writing scripts for television - but that's no idle dream for Alan Bolas from Winsford.

Over the past two years Alan has been attending a course for aspiring playwrights at the Crewe Lyceum.

And last week he had the chance to see the fruits of his labours performed by professional actors, which could open the door to a new career.

His one-act play, Snowbirds, is about an American couple who have moved south to retire in sunny Florida.

With some neat twists in the plot, the husband's secret double life is uncovered. He isn't what he seems - and there's an unexpected ending.

Along with the audience I was totally absorbed. Alan Bolas writes dialogue exceedingly well.

His plot development is first class and I have no doubt that here in Mid-Cheshire we have a writer with enormous talent.

Already he has three full-length plays under serious consideration with professional agencies.

He says that the main advantage of the playwrighting course (run by the English Touring Theatre) has been the opportunity to learn from tutors who are professional writers and directors.

Born in Manchester in 1963, Alan only began writing ten years ago. His day-time job is teaching technology at Mid-Cheshire College in Hartford.

He says his family and friends don't go to theatres. Perhaps they will if he becomes famous - I have a hunch he will.

Watch this space.

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