A GRIPPING thriller is set to electrify audiences at the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster.

The Business of Murder is being performed by resident acting group, The Nonentities, from Monday until Saturday, May 15, and promises to create a sensation, with its multiple twists and turns, according to Nonentities' spokeswoman, Pat Taft.

She said Richard Harris's psychological drama followed the relationship of three intriguing characters, including a playwright and a policeman, and a third, whose role only became clear as the play progressed.

"Anyone who has ever been hooked by Agatha Christie on stage or Paul Abbot or Lynda La Plante on television will love this play, which foregrounds the tricks of murder while providing a thrilling plot at a cracking pace," said Mrs Taft.

"As it is a psychological drama as well as a mystery play, Harris explores different possibilities with a three-handed script format. However, it is the title that gives most away - this is a set of characters involved in murder as a job."

She added The Business of Murder was the third play this season to be directed by Nonentities' artistic director, Liz Cole, the other two being A Letter Of Resignation and Lost In Yonkers. Mrs Cole said: "Programming a season is all about matching breadth and variety with quality.

"This season, I've worked on three fine scripts in different genres. This particular one is a killer and I have to admit to feeling a bit 'done in' by the demands of its constant surprises and reverses."

She added: "I hope audiences are pleased and that anyone interested in joining the group to come forward for the next season to take this work forward and give me a bit of a breather."

More information and tickets for The Business of Murder, which runs starts at 7.30pm, can be obtained by calling the Rose Theatre box office on 01562 743745.