A TEENAGE playwright who found success with her comedic exploration of ghosts is returning to a theatre in Colchester.

Colchester native Jaz Skingle penned Ghost Therapy during the pandemic and staged its debut performance at Colchester Fringe.

Following an appearance in Lion Walk Courtyard and on BBC Essex, the play had a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022.

Now, Jaz has brought Ghost Therapy to the Mercury as part of its UK Playwrights programme and Mercurial Takeover.

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As the title suggests, Ghost Therapy explores the ghost world, with the comedy depicting a different side to ghosts - their emotional side. 

Throughout the performance ghost problems are explored by a ghost therapist character named Dr Soul.

Despite her young age, Jaz has a longtime passion for entertaining audiences, which started with acting in school plays and later at the Stagecoach drama school.

She had also sang in a variety of different choirs before turning her attention to writing, both for stage and screen.

Jaz experimented with different ideas before bringing Ghost Therapy to life.

The cast for the latest production includes Trenetta Jones as Dr Soul alongside fellow actors Charlie Vaughan, Emma Pallet and Ewan Purser.

Having now completed her A-Levels, Jaz is continuing her film studies at King’s College, in London, and will soon be travelling to Los Angeles.

Jaz Skingle said: “It’s brilliant to have the opportunity to have Ghost Therapy play at the Mercury Theatre.

“They have all been so supportive; Ryan McBryde in particular has been a wonderful mentor.

"I’m excited to have a sold-out performance tonight and looking forward to continuing my relationship with the Mercury.

“We’re lucky to have such an incredible facility on our doorstep.”

Ryan McBryde, creative director at Mercury Theatre, added: “I am very excited about seeing this original work from Mercury alumni, Jaz Skingle.”

For more information on Ghost Therapy and Jaz Skingle Productions, visit jazskingleproductions.co.uk