A ONE-PERSON show exploring the effects of kindness and cruelty is to tour North Yorkshire libraries.

Poet and performer Andy Craven-Griffiths ran workshops in libraries in the county earlier in the year to gather stories of kindness from people of ages and invited people to share their experiences online at; joygernaut.com.

Those stories have informed the writing of an interactive, one-person show exploring kindness and cruelty, their effects and our ability to choose.

Andy said: “We are increasingly sold the idea of our own individuality and importance.

“The aim of the game is to be the most beautiful, to have the biggest TV, to get the most likes and retweets, to eat the fanciest foods and to wear the most expensive and fashionable clothes.

“In all cases, to win for ourselves as separate individuals, that that’s how you get happy. But what if it’s not? What if the way to a better life is kindness?”

Using research into the biology, sociology and psychology of kindness, Joygernaut offers us a view of ourselves as better.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, executive member for libraries, said: “The County Council’s Library Service is pleased to be presenting Joygernaut with support from our Stronger Communities programme.

"Joygernaut is about the idea that kindness can generate small changes in ourselves and others and make our communities better places.

"This is something we see often in the selfless volunteers who support the county’s libraries and other projects and services.”

Performances of Joygernaut will take place at libraries in Northallerton on Thursday, May 17, Ripon on May 31, Stokesley on June 7, Catterick on June 8 and Richmond on June 15 at 7pm.