THE dark aspect of comedy is often what makes it so appealing. And Ring Round The Moon, the latest offering from the Colwall Players, is bubbling with shady undertones.

"There is a psychological aspect," said director Nigel Turner.

"It is the dark aspect which sets it apart from the rest. But it's still a comedy and things work out happy in the end. It's very French."

Ring Round The Moon is a sparkling comedy about society and love. The story, a satire on the French aristocracy, revolves around identical twins, Frederic and Hugo, who could not be more different, except for the fact they are both in love with the same woman.

There are, of course, mistaken identities and chaotic misunderstandings but, like Turner says, something sets this play apart.

"All of the characters know which twin is which," he said. "So it's not that kind of misunderstanding.

"Essentially, one of them is good and one of them is bad. It's that comic/tragic mask, ying and yang thing."

The play, penned by Jean Anouilh in 1947 and adapted by Christopher Fry in 1952, is being performed at Colwall Village Hall in the round.

"That itself presents difficulties," says Turner, "Mechanically it can be very frustrating because you've got to make sure the actors share themselves around.

"The audience has always got to be able to see a face."

Ring Round The Moon is on from Thursday, May 24 to Saturday, May 26.

Tickets, £6 and £3 concessions, are available from John Goodwin Estate Agency, Malvern, or by calling 01684 540300.