But writer Angela Pressland says there is more to her prize-winning play, A Higher Education.

Yes, it is set in a brothel, and the initial inspiration came from a survey suggesting a link between the rising costs of university education and the increasing number of students turning to the sex industry.

But Angela says the play is more importantly about sexualisation in a society where 'you can walk down any High Street and see sexy clothes being marketed at pre-pubescent girls'.

The outcome of the encounter in her play is 'explosive', she adds.

A Higher Education will be premiered by Bench Theatre at Havant after winning its 40th anniversary competition for a 'state of the nation' play.

Angela, 45, lives in the London borough of Bexley, and previously achieved success with two short plays at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley – one of which was made into a short film shown at Cannes.

She had already written a full-length play but was not happy with it.

'The dialogue was good and funny but it had nothing for the audience to talk or argue about on the way home. I think A Higher Education has.'

She has been travelling to Havant regularly for rehearsals and says: 'I'm not precious about my work and I learn a lot. Actors bring a lot to a play and as a writer you should listen to them and be prepared to make changes.'

Angela has always enjoyed creative writing but was a full-time stay-at-home mother to two sons, now 19 and 16, and could not combine both roles. 'I was no J K Rowling,' she laughs.

So Bench Theatre's competition, with its £500 prize which will help fund a degree course in theatre studies, has proved invaluable to her.

'We need people like Bench Theatre because it's very difficult when you're a relatively new writer as I am, especially of a certain age, to find opportunities to have your work staged.'

» A Higher Education can be seen at The Spring (formerly Havant Arts Centre) from next Tuesday to Saturday. Tickets: (023) 9247 2700 or havantartscentre.co.uk