You are being watched! That's the message of dark comedy, The Fear, at New Wimbledon Theatre Studio.

But whether that is a bad thing is something that needs to be discussed.

This highly topical play centres around journalist Jane, played by Stephanie Taylor, whose worst fears come true when she is questioned by a member of the government over her articles charting our ever-increasing Big Brother society.

Set in real time, this one hour play debates the role of surveillance in our everyday life.

The Fear's playwright, Ben Clare, said: “I started writing the play in January after reading many newspaper articles about surveillance, I became concerned at the plans and measure of it.

“The trigger came when dossiers containing confidential information were left on trains or lost, showing the easy ability to access and abuse our personal information.”

The Fear is performed as part of Wimbledon Theatre's Fresh New Ideas Season where new work from emerging directors or playwrights are shown.

Having studied drama at Kingston University, Ben honed his talent as a member of the Royal Court Young Writers programme alongside the award-winning Polly Stenham.

Ben's most recent play, Face in the Crowd, was nominated for The Stage awards at last years Edinburgh Festival.

Although dealing with a subject readily dismissed with negative connotations, Ben says he wanted to write a balanced piece and not just provide the easy one sided message.

He said: “Although the play contains strong arguments, it is a philosophical subject, there are no right or wrong answers to the questions that need to be asked.

“The average Joe voluntarily gives out personal information via facebook or twitter, we leave ourselves open to potential abuse.”

With new stories continually emerging in the press the relevance of the play is constantly evolving.

Ben said: “The question about who is policing the police is something I had already raised in the play.

“In fact over the past few months it's scary how much of the play is coming true.”

The Fear, New Wimbledon Theatre Studio, May 6-9, 7.45pm, £10. Call 0870 060 6646 or visit ambassadortickets.com