CHRIST Church Players present a thrilling murder mystery comedy by Fred Carmichael.

Rehearsals are now nearing their conclusion for Out of Sight...Out of Murder, as the theatre group gets ready for performances in February.

Ruth Syddall has – literally – taken the lead in the play, stepping in last minute for a main role as well as this being her directorial debut.

Ruth said: “I had the pleasure of watching the Phoenix Theatre Group perform this play last year and so was thrilled when our committee chose this for our annual production. When the opportunity arose to direct the play I jumped at the chance.

“Due to casting problems I have also had to step in to play one of the lead roles on top of directing so have been splitting myself in two somewhat. This is my directional debut and so has been extraordinarily challenging, particularly with also having a part, and indeed a steep learning curve, but extremely rewarding.”

Ruth was keen to put her stamp on the production, so has used plenty of artistic license to bring it to a local audience.

She said: “Having seen the play previously I knew that this refreshing, witty murder mystery parody was a thoroughly delightful combination of intrigue, suspense and comedy with a dollop of romance thrown in for good measure and I was keen to add my own signature to it.

“The play was actually originally performed in Waitsfield, Vermont and should be set in the US. However, I have chosen to give the play a bit of a local makeover, this time setting it in an old Victorian house somewhere in deepest darkest Lancashire. There are plenty of local references for the audience to enjoy.”

Out of Sight…Out of Murder will run from February 3 to 6 at Christ Church Heaton Parish Centre, Markland Hill (Off Chorley New Road), Heaton. All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 each. Concessions £7 available on February 3 only. To book call Pam Hodson on 01204 465631.