A GOOD old-fashioned farce with an eccentric Lord, a spinster and a nymphomaniac maid. That is Farnworth Performing Arts Company's next production, Post Horn Gallop, and it is sure to be an audience-pleaser.

The play is set in a baronial hall in the 1950s with hard-up Lord and Lady Elrood planning to open up their home to visitors to raise cash.

Lord Elrood roams the house with his blunderbuss; there is the sex mad maid Ada, who fancies the scout master, then there is the daughter and her husband who witnessed an armed raid. And don't forget the gangsters and Lancastrians Bert and Maggie with their flask and sandwiches. Disappearing valuable paintings all add to the farcical turn of events.

Rehearsals are well under way but the cast still needs a few props. "We could do with a blunderbuss if anyone has one and are short of three paintings, one of a white horse, one of a brown horse, and one of a Victorian lady with a large chest," said Denise Neary, production manager for the drama section.

It is the Company's fifth play since it incorporated drama into its repertoire five years ago. "We decided to do plays to cater for all the cast and they have been successful," said Denise.

So much so that actor Allen Christey was nominated for best actor for Trivial Pursuits at the BATS awards, and again in the NODA awards. The company was also runner-up at the NODA awards for the best programme and was nominated for best staging of a play.

Post Horn Gallop will be directed by one of the members, Elaine Nuttall, whose daughter plays Chloe in Emmerdale. It will be staged at Farnworth Little Theatre, Cross Street, from Tuesday, June 17 to Saturday, June 21. Tickets cost £5 Tuesday to Friday, and £9 on Saturday which includes a theatre supper.

Box office number is 01204 527092. Anyone who can help with props can contact Denise on 01942 818616.