One of Alan Bennett's timeless monologues will be performed at the first-ever drama event to be held at Overstrand's Belfry Centre.

Retired schoolteacher Libby Henshaw will take the stage for the performance, playing Muriel Carpenter in Soldiering On.

North Norfolk News: Libby Henshaw will perform as Muriel Carpenter at the Belfry CentreLibby Henshaw will perform as Muriel Carpenter at the Belfry Centre (Image: Richard Batson)READ MORE: Family of plane crash victims watched as aircraft went down on, eyewitness says

Muriel is a strong stoical pillar of the community who battles on with her charity work and stiff upper lip as her finances and family life crumble around her following the death of her husband.

Ms Henshaw has been involved with local theatre for 20 years as an actor, director and wardrobe mistress.

She said: "The Belfry creates the perfect intimate setting and atmosphere for performing one of Alan Bennett's timeless monologues and I'm looking forward to being part of their first drama night.

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"I have directed the play before, so I knew it would be challenging.

"But, playing the role, I can really appreciate the amount of work that goes into just learning Alan Bennett’s wonderful words, keeping the drama going on your own without cues from other actors, then portraying and sustaining the character.”

The evening will begin with a short film of an interview with Alan Bennett which includes him reading from his work.

The playwright and author wrote Soldiering On in 1987, as part of his hugely popular Talking Heads series for BBC television. The original version starred Stephanie Cole.

It was even included on the A-level and GCSE English syllabus.

The show takes place on Friday, October 27 at 7.30pm, tickets are £10, call 01263 579196 or 07763 339052 to book.