A DIRECTOR is currently overseeing a stage production of one of his all-time favourite films.

The Ladykillers is being performed by the Marco Players at Chorley Old Road Community Hall until Saturday, directed by Jason Crompton.

This new stage version of the celebrated 1955 Ealing comedy has been adapted by Father Ted writer Graham Linehan and originally starred Peter Capaldi, the latest Doctor Who, in the West End version.

Jason said: “Well, what can I say about The Ladykillers apart from that it’s one of my all-time favourite films?

"Who can forget Alec Guinness as the sinister Professor Marcus, especially when he is greeted by the lovely Mrs Wilberforce?

"So when this adaptation of the play became available to perform, I couldn’t wait to get started.

"As you can imagine, rehearsals have been hysterical at times and running up and down the stairs has been great exercise for some of the cast.”

A black comedy, The Ladykillers sees a sweet little old lady, alone in her house, pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing.

Posing as amateur musicians, Professor Marcus and his gang rent rooms in the lopsided house of sweet but strict Mrs Wilberforce. The villains plot to involve her, unwittingly, in Marcus’ brilliantly conceived heist job.

The police are left stumped but Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and Marcus concludes that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet.

With only her parrot — General Gordon — to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men.

The play premièred at the Liverpool Playhouse in November 2011, directed by Sean Foley, and is currently playing at the Vaudeville Theatre in London's West End.

The Marco Players' cast includes regulars Peter Haslam, Mark Weatherall, Ian Duckworth, James Abercrombie and Irene Smith, along with newcomer Chris Hatchman, who was recently seen in Five Saints’ production of Rent.

Chris said “This is my first play as I normally perform in musicals and pantomimes but I thought where better to start my play career than at the Marco?”

The Ladykillers opened last night and runs until Saturday at Chorley Old Road Methodist Church Community Hall, Bolton.

Tickets are available by calling 01204 841561 or 07756 510462 or via the website — themarcoplayers.net.