Chelmsford Library is to host a special performance of a new play by an award-winning playwright next week.

Little Old Alf, written by Alfie James, tells the story of a grumpy and reclusive old man, who hides away from the world because of a secret that makes him hate himself. But then Alf meets Billy, a desperate young man who breaks into his place.

Mr James said the “heart-warming” play explores issues of isolation and loneliness – not just in elderly members of society, but in young people too.

He added: “It deals with cross-generation relationships and how we, as a society, have been caught up in labels and, in some ways, forgotten what is important in life.”

Little Old Alf will be staged at 7pm on Friday, January 27, at Chelmsford Library. Tickets cost £10 (£8 conc.) and are available from alfiejamesproductions.com