A THEATRE company is certain to 'bowl over' audiences with their next production.

St Paul's (Astley Bridge) AODS is looking forward to the sunshine and a game of cricket!

The actors will be donning their whites and cracking up the Pimms as they stage to perform H Connolly The Twelfth Man later this month.

Set in a dilapidated village cricket pavilion, the comedy follows what happens when a visiting ladies team shows up unexpectedly at a traditionally all-male club.

Chairman of St Paul's AODS, Stephen Brennan said: "Cricket is a serious business in Yorkshire as Len Hincliffe the pompous and chauvinistic captain of Tetford Cricket Team knows only to well.

"So when his team are faced with the unexpected challenge of an all women's team their reactions are hardly encouraging.

"However despite intrigue and trickery from the Tetford team the women win the day calling for some rethinking on the men's behalf on the sanctity of cricket, although not before several major revelations rock the foundations of the cricket club."

The play is being directed by award-wining actress Eileen Powell, who theatre goers will now as Bolton's Hello Dolly.

Among the cast is Paul Cohen, chairman of Bolton Amateur Dramatics Society, who is often found directing or part of the production team in plays in Bolton.

He is playing Jack, the undertaker.

Paul said: "Rehearsals are going really well and the play is not a farce, but there is a comedy sub-plot — it is a situational comedy."

Secretary of the society Len Powell said: "The audience can expect some very good laughs and a very good night out."

The play runs from February 22, 23, and 24 February at St Paul's CE Primary School in Newham Street, Astley Bridge.

Mr Brennan said: "This will be our second production in the school and we are grateful to them for welcoming us back after once again losing our permanent home last year."

For tickets ring 01204 847866.