His Yorkshire roots are thoroughly examined in eminent playwright Alan Bennett’s autobiographical double bill ‘Untold Stories’, enjoying a regional premiere in Leeds on June 2 as part of a season to celebrate his 80th birthday.

The two stage productions, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, are being performed by the West Yorkshire Playhouse and will be followed by his other famous works ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Talking Heads’.

Bennett takes his inspiration in ‘Untold Stories’ from the simple things that prompt memories of the past - such as the hymns of his childhood and a long-forgotten tub of cocktail sticks at the back of a kitchen cupboard. It recalls his childhood growing up in Armley, Leeds; his father’s failed attempt to teach him to play the violin and his mother’s failed social aspirations.

‘Untold Stories’ was first published in 2006 as a collection of diary entries, essays, reviews and memoirs. It was put together at a time when Bennett thought he was dying of cancer, which had been diagnosed in 1997, and contains much that is poignant, tender and sad as well as gently humorous.

Bennett has never shrunk from exposing human frailties as well as strengths, and expertly explores the way dreams and values shape lives. He is a keen and affectionate observer.

‘Hymn’ reveals a family steeped in the music of the times and has a musical score written by award-winning British composer George Fenton.

‘Cocktail Sticks’ takes a look at his ‘ordinary upbringing’ and his mother’s disappointment with their social standing. The subjects of loss and longing are never far from his pen.

Taking the role of Bennett himself in the Playhouse premiere will be Reece Dinsdale, an actor already familiar with the playwright’s work, having made an early film appearance in ‘A Private Function’, the 1984 movie for which Bennett produced the screenplay.

Keen Huddersfield Town fan Dinsdale has also been seen in ‘Coronation Street’, ‘Home to Roost’, ‘Life on Mars’ and Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Hamlet’.

‘Untold Stories’ is on until June 21. Tickets details are available from the box office on 0113 213 7700.

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