STEP back into the golden age of crime fiction and enjoy the classic detective story A Murder is Announced.

St Vincent's Dramatic Society is bringing the famous Agatha Christie thriller to the stage as the genre enjoys a resurgence in popularity.

Society chairman Howard Clare said: "We are very excited as we have never done an Agatha Christie play un the 22 years that the society has been running."

He added: "As our audience tend to be the older generation we thought a murder mystery would be something different

as we usually do comedies.

"I just think that everyone loves a murder mystery and Agatha Christie is one of the best writers with not much gore, and is suitable for all age groups.

"Rehearsals are going very well and we are thoroughly enjoying the experience."

The play features Christie's famous detective Miss Marple as she solves the mystery of a notice in the local paper stating a murder is announced and the date it will take place.

"There is a lot of comedy with Agatha Christie with the very different characters," said Howard, "Miss Bunner played by Vivienne Farnarnd for instance is very funny as is Patrick Simmons played by John Dudley. Mitizi is also a very funny character played by Debbie Eustice.

"Miss Blacklock who has the lead roll is played by Margaret Parkinson she has a wealth of experience and has been with the society for some considerable years. Inspector Craddock is played by Keith Hindley and has done several plays with us. Miss Marple is played by Maureen Clare she has a lot of experience in amateur theatre both on stage and as a producer."

The set has again been constructed by Owen Riley, aged 88, with Bert Halliday his apprentice of 76 years.

The play runs from May 29 to June 2 at St Vincent’s Church Hall, Rutherford Drive, Bolton.

Tickets are £6.00 and are available on 01942 818688 07415771665 or pay on the door.