MORECAMBE Bay is the inspiration and striking backdrop for dramatic new work being performed in Lancaster from January 27 to February 12 and Keswick from February 16 to 26.

Quicksand, a dramatic new work written by Ulverston’s Zosia Wand, will premiere at the Lancaster Dukes.

“The setting is crucial to this play,” said Zosia. “I had been living in Ulverston for eight years when I realised I’d not set any of my work here.

"Now, nearly everything I do is set locally because I love this place.

“The landscape and environment affect me deeply and the description of Morecambe Bay in Quicksand reflects how I feel about the area.”

Zosia – who has had four plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 – has a Polish mother and so it is no coincidence that Quicksand is a love story between a young Englishman, training to be a solicitor in Lancaster, and a Polish woman.

Both funny and poignant, the play is a rollercoaster of emotions, edge-of-the-seat drama, family secrets and expectations.

Zosia is a founding member of Word Market, the writers and readers project for South Cumbria, has worked with Litfest in Lancaster and taken part in residences and mentorships.

Quicksand is the third new play rooted in the north to be staged in the round at The Dukes, following its successes with Sabbat (2009), which told the story of the Lancashire witches, and The Gift and The Glory (2010).

The set is designed by Alison Heffernan, music is by Mark Melville and among the cast is Eithne Brown, who played Chrissy Rogers in former TV soap Brookside.

* Quicksand is at Lancaster Dukes from January 27 to February 12 and Keswick Theatre By The Lake from February 16 to 26.