Richard Dunbar has drawn inspiration from Buttershaw estate for his latest play.

Richard is the nephew of playwright Andrea Dunbar, whose debut play based on her youth on the estate is being made into a film.

Richard’s play, The Arborites, looks at how life has changed on Buttershaw. “Regeneration and drug rehabilitation has had a huge impact on community pride,” says Richard.

In 1987, Andrea’s play Rita, Sue And Bob Too was made into a film, set and filmed on the estate. Scenes from her first play, The Arbor, appear in a new film about her life, alongside interviews with her relatives and neighbours. Filming took place in September at the real-life Brafferton Arbor, with members of the Dunbar family and other residents as extras. The film is due for release next year.

“People might make assumptions but my play isn’t based on Andrea’s work,” said Richard. “The focus is on The Arbor but it draws in people from the estate as a whole. There’ll be a question-and-answer session with the audience afterwards.”

The Arborites is on at Buttershaw Enterprise College on Tuesday. For tickets, ring 07538472754.