The New Wimbledon Theatre will this week be host to the writing and directing talent of a Kingston University administrator.

Sarah Stewart, a Modular and Field administrator, has written and directed a new production of The Yellow Wallpaper, adapted from the novel by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

The story describes a young mother’s mental deterioration after she is confined to an upstairs room during the summer months in order to recover from a “temporary nervous depression.” With nothing to keep her occupied she becomes obsessed with the pattern of the yellow wallpaper in the room, eventually descending into madness.

Theatre has always been an area of interest for Sarah who spent time at a stage school when she was younger before pursuing writing and directing during her time at University.

She explained: “I have also trained in set and lighting design, so I have never really considered doing anything else. I love being able to work in so many fields within theatre, but it’s definitely the writing and directing which appeals to me most.”

The Yellow Wallpaper is the first production for WhiteSpace Theatre, a London based company which Sarah founded herself and which aims to provide an outlet for talented artists at the beginning of their careers.

She said: “I hope it will be the start of many more. The company was really set up because I know a huge pool of very talented young arts professionals and felt there wasn’t enough around for them. I’m in that position too, so it’s a chance for us to all help each other.”

The company previously performed The Yellow Wallpaper at two venues in London, as well as a run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2008. The reception across the country from press and public has proven to be extremely positive for the newly formed theatre company.

Sarah added: “It was particularly wonderful to speak to people on the streets of Edinburgh who knew the novel, and wanted to share their experiences of what it meant to them. We have had everything from younger children being scared, to people crying, so fingers crossed this audience will like it too.”

Sarah chose The Yellow Wallpaper for adaptation after originally reading the story at University.

She explained: “I was captivated by its haunting beauty and the personal honesty from which it is written, and I wanted to share it with the audience. I felt that it would work well on the stage as the descriptions of the novel are so vivid.”

“I also think it is very relevant still today, with its themes of finding out who we are, what happens when we let others control our life, and the fragility of the human mind. One on level it is a very powerful gothic horror but I think the other themes give it so much more depth.”

The production will be performed at the New Wimbledon Theatre Studio as part of the Fresh Ideas season, an opportunity for new writers, directors and theatre companies to showcase their talents. Sarah is looking forward to working in a venue that has previously been host to a number of top West End theatre productions.

She said: “From having worked there these last few days it is an incredibly professional place and I’m relishing the experience immensely.”

The Yellow Wallpaper will run at the New Wimbledon Theatre Studio from Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th March 2009. For tickets call the box office on 0870 060 6646 or buy online at www.ambassadortickets.com/wimbledon