A PLASTERER turned playwright is hoping his thought-provoking Towers of Babel will promote tolerance when it goes on tour next month.

University of Bolton graduate Nick Yardley has been awarded Arts Council England funding to take the production, which explores cultural and religous identity, across the country.

The national tour comes just weeks after reports that religious tensions are rising, with anti-Semitic incidents in the UK at an all-time high.

The play was inspired by two conversations Nick had within hours of each other.

While at work as a self-employed plasterer, a Jewish lady told him she thought the media is biased against Jews, and on his next job, he spoke to a group of Muslims who said they thought the media were anti-Islam.

Mr Yardley, who lives in Heaton with his wife and three children, said: "‘It’s a story with a message about tolerance and faith.

“I wanted to make it clear that we’re all similar, with the same fears and needs.

“I realised they thought the same thing and thought they were they only ones, and it’s probably the same for other cultures and religions."

Set on the morning of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Towers of Babel tells the story of Jewish lawyer Vince and his son Justin, who works at a New York radio station opposite the World Trade Center, and is about to admit to his father that he's given up on his religion.

The play won the Octagon Theatre Prize for Outstanding Drama written by a University of Bolton student in 2011, after being submitted by Mr Yardley’s university tutor.

The theatre’s artistic director, David Thacker – now the university’s first professor of theatre — suggested Nick adapt the story for the stage after it was originally written for radio as his final-year project.

It was entered into the 24:7 Festival, where it was performed three times and nominated for best play. Mr Yardley has also taken part in the Re:play theatre festival.

Mr Yardley , aged 47, has worked for over twenty years as a plasterer, writing in his spare time.

He said: “I was one of those people who had lots of stories written but never the bravery to do anything with them.”

Once he decided to give writing a try he enrolled at the University of Bolton.

Mr Yardley said: “The drama module was brilliant and the support appreciated.

"Was always welcome to show personal projects to my tutors Mary Cooper and Les Smith, and it’s something I’ve missed since graduating.

"I have my tutors and David Thacker to thank for the play’s awards.”

The tour will start in Manchester running from March 14 to 22 at the Manchester Maccabi Community and Sports Club. Tickets are £9. To book your place, visit www.ibookedit.com/towersofbabel