GRAYSHOTT Stagers autumn production is the comedy Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime by Constance Cox.

The play is based on a short story by Oscar Wilde published in 1891 and was first produced on stage in 1952.

Charming, gullible Arthur is informed by a palmist that he is destined to commit a murder.

Since he does not wish to inconvenience his bride-to-be, Sybil Merton, played by Rachel Perkins, he decides to effect the dastardly deed before the wedding.

He embarks, with the aid of his faithful butler and a passing anarchist, on several attempts to kill his relations.

Much of the dialogue of this comedy comes direct from the short story but is enhanced by Constance Cox’s witty language.

The production is directed by Ian Wilson-Soppitt. Ian has appeared on stage in several Stagers’ shows, but this is first directorial role for the society, although he brings much experience from directing for other local dramatic societies.

He combines his directing with playing Arthur’s butler, Baines.

The lead is taken by Steffen Zschaler who portrayed Richard Hannay in the NODA award winning production of The 39 Steps last year. Steffen is joined by a cast of eight more well-known local actors.

The production will be stages at Grayshott Village Hall on Thursday, November 12, until Saturday, November 14, with the curtain up at 7.30pm on all three nights.

Tickets cost £10 each and can be bought online at www. grayshottstagers.co.uk – there are no fees for booking online. You can also buy them by calling (01428) 605464 or in person at Hill & Co Home in Headley Road, from Monday, November 2.

Other Stagers events planned for 2016 are the one act plays and supper evenings on February 19 and 20, and Acorn Antiques – The Musical, by Victoria Wood, from May 25-28.