A thought-provoking play about homelessness is coming to Norwich Cathedral this weekend.

Eastern Daily Press: A charity sleep out event at Norwich Cathedral in 2015. Picture: NORWICH CATHEDRALA charity sleep out event at Norwich Cathedral in 2015. Picture: NORWICH CATHEDRAL (Image: NORWICH CATHEDRAL)

National theatre company Cardboard Citizens will be performing Priority Need in the nave on Friday January 26.

As well as tackling issues surrounding homelessness, some of its performers are rough sleepers themselves.

A number of free tickets will be available to homeless people in Norwich.

The 7pm show is one of four events being held at the cathedral during the weekend to highlight the social issue.

James Shelton, marketing manager for Norwich Cathedral, said: 'It is going to be potentially life-changing for people affected by homelessness to see this. I want to get as many people who want to see this play to the cathedral. I don't want the cost of a ticket to prohibit them.

'We all walk up and down the streets and have seen someone in need.'

Mr Shelton added he had noticed an increase in homelessness in Norwich.

He added the 'topical issue' was close to the hearts of Canon Andy Bryant and the Very Rev Jane Hedges, Dean of Norwich Cathedral.

'There is a real appetite that the cathedral is a hub for the community and a beacon of sanctuary. Hopefully it can mobilise us and other organisations in the county to address these issues,' Mr Shelton said.

All proceeds from the play will go towards the Church Urban Fund, which was set up by the Church of England more than 30 years ago.

It brings about change in neighbourhoods.

Two projects which have benefited from the Church Urban Fund are night shelters for the homeless in Great Yarmouth and King's Lynn.

The other Norwich Cathedral events raising the awareness on homelessness include a sponsored sleep out on the night of Friday January 26 and morning of Saturday January 27

Broadland Housing chief executive Michael Newey will give a talk on Sunday January 28 at 10.30am.

This will be followed by a congregational meeting and film screening from 12.30pm.

Former Norfolk coroner William Armstrong will be holding a public discussion on homelessness at the cathedral on Monday February 5 at 7pm.

To get involved in the sleep out email jshelton@cathedral.org.uk.

Priority Need tickets cost £5-£8.50. Visit www.cathedral.org.uk