SULTRY and sexy Dangerous Liaisons is a ballet 'guaranteed to have pulses racing and corsets heaving', Everyman Theatre promoters promise.

Northern Ballet is heading to Cheltenham with its first small-scale tour of the David Nixon adaptation of the classic novel.

The story is a tale of sexual power, deceit and cruelty in 18th century France and was the subject of a successful Hollywood film.

Nixon explained: "My ballet was first inspired by the movie of the same name and thereafter the original story by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

"I was first struck by the number of main dramatic roles in the piece compared with most stories and the fact that a story about sensuality could be captured in movement."

A spokeswoman for the Everyman said: "Dangerous Liaisons with its edgy, racy and funny story is the perfect show for ballet virgins and devoted lovers alike. The narration means that audiences can get truly swept up with Vivaldi's beautiful music, The Four Seasons, the sumptuous period costume and the tale of love, virtue and revenge."

It's on June 24 and 25. For ticket call the box office on 01242 572573.