Tash is tough. At least on the surface. But she can't afford to drop her tough-girl image. Her brother Kevin is out of prison and trying to go straight. But his past has a habit of catching up with him. Can they survive the pressures of the gang culture that surrounds them?

Little Sweet Thing is presented by the New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich in association with Nottingham Playhouse and Birmingham Repertory Theatre as part of the Eclipse Theatre Initiative.

It's the third production to be commissioned by Eclipse Theatre and follows the critically acclaimed Moon On A Rainbow Shawl in 2002 and Mother Courage and Her Children in 2003.

Little Sweet Thing is a compelling insight into today's multi-cultural Britain.

Steven Luckie, Eclipse Producer

Roy Williams said: "I have followed the Eclipse project since it began. When I was offered a commission I accepted straight away.

"Eclipse Theatre has really helped to further the profile of Black work throughout the country, and proves that there are Black artists more than capable of creating high quality theatre."

"It is a contemporary story focusing on a young man called Kev who is released from prison but is scared of returning to his old life of crime. I wanted to explore the world of this teenager, and his friends, who share a belief that life is already over at such a young age."

Eclipse producer Steven Luckie added: "I am delighted that for the third Eclipse production we have managed to harness the creative talents of Roy Williams and a strong creative team, headed by director Michael Buffong.

"Roy is writing at the top of his powers right now and Little Sweet Thing is a compelling insight into today's multi-cultural Britain."

Roy Williams is the winner of The Evening Standard's Most Promising Playwright Award for Clubland, a Bafta Children's Film and Television Award and joint winner of the George Devine Award for Lift Off.