A CLASSIC farce by 'a writer described as 'one of the world's cleverest playwrights' provides a showcase for Malvern Theatres' resident amateur company.

Tom Stoppard's On the Razzle is adapted from Einen Jux will er sich machen by Viennese writer Johann Nestroy. The musical Hello Dolly and Thornton Wilder's The Matchmaker were both developed from this literary classic.

The play, performed by the Malvern Theatre Players, is set in Edwardian Vienna and tells the story of two rural innocents. They escape to the big city for a day of illicit freedom, which results in confusions, mishaps, adventures and narrow escapes.

Zangler, the proprietor of a high-class grocery emporium, leaves his shop in the hands of his assistants and sets off for the big city. He plans to join in the big parade and wine and dine his glamourous fiance. Zangler's employees decide that while the cat is away the mice will play and their search for adventure quickly develops into farcical madness.

The cast of On the Razzle includes many regular members of the Malvern Theatre Players and also stars some newcomers, including college student James Robertson. Marie-Louise Doherty, who directed the company's only other Stoppard play Travesties, has lent her talents to this latest production too.

Ms Doherty said: "My first production for Malvern Theatre Players was Travesties and I have long wanted to direct another of his plays. I hope that audiences will enjoy our production of this comic masterpiece."

On the Razzle will be performed at Malvern's Festival Theatre from Wednesday, June 9 to Saturday, June 12. For more information or to book tickets call 01684 892277.