A young up-and-coming playwright was today celebrating not only a successful opening night, but a sell out three-night run.

Luke Condon, 19, who lives in Southend, started writing his first play, Born Again Virgin, while completing his A-levels at St. Bernard's high school sixth form in Milton Road. A short time later he showed the first draft to the newly established Talking Props theatre company and bosses eventually convinced him that it should be performed on stage.

However nobody had any idea just how popular it would prove to be.

Virgin performance : Luke on stage with one of the Talking Props actors Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Luke said: "All three nights were sell outs. It was great - everyone laughed in the right places."

Born Again Virgin is a comedy looking at the many difficulties people face in their teenage years.

There was a cast of just four people, and it was performed by Luke and three members of the Talking Props theatre company at St. Bernard's.

Published Monday, April 14, 2003

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