A WITTY and passionate play by one of Britain's finest living playwrights is coming to Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre next week.

The Real Thing is by Tom Stoppard, whose catalogue of works includes hits like Arcadia, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and the film, Shakespeare In Love.

This production stars John Gordon Sinclair, who will always be known for his role in the hit 1980 film, Gregory's Girl.

His career, though, has seen him appear in many television and stage shows, including an Olivier Award for his role of George in She Loves me.

In The Real Thing he plays Henry, a wickedly witty playwright, but when he starts to blur the boundaries between life and art things become a little sticky.

Alongside John Gordon Sinclair will be Liz Crowther, who plays Annie Hart in Channel Five's Family Affairs.

The show runs at the Everyman from next Monday to Saturday, July 6 with performances at 7.45pm Monday to Friday and 8pm on Saturday. Matinees are at 2pm on Thursday and 2.30pm on Saturday.

Tickets, priced between £8 and £18.50 are available from the box office on 01242 572573.