EVESHAM'S professional theatre company is about to set off on its second tour with a new comedy-drama based on a true story.

Mompesson's Well, by Simon Andrew Stirling, is about a man who has lost his memory - but the condition may hide some very dark secrets.

In Kayelle Productions' new play, Stirling explores the mysterious case of William Mompesson, a man whose memory has failed him. Cared for by a young, inexperienced nurse and plagued by a dogged and unorthodox psychiatrist, Mompesson struggles to piece parts of his life together.

Stirling said the play was dedicated to the memory of his father-in-law.

"I'd always been fascinated by the story of Eyam, the plague village in Derbyshire, and its vicar, who was William Mompesson.

"Mompesson's Well was where emergency supplies were left for the stricken villagers. I felt there was inspiration there for a modern, contemporary piece. When I came to write the play, my father-in-law was dying. I couldn't help being intrigued by the process he was going through."

Throughout the 90s, Stirling wrote for some of TV's most popular drama series, including The Bill, Casualty, Soldier, Soldier and Between the Lines. Last year Kayelle successfully toured the country with Stirling's Wayward Women.

Lynn Davies, who directs as well as acting in Mompesson's Well, said the play was "a comedy about things that aren't normally seen as funny: a man who has lost his memory, quite possibly survived a terrifying outbreak, but is still dying nevertheless.

"It's a love story and a detective story, a kind of modern morality play."

Bill Cronshaw plays Will, Kay Little, who appeared in Wayward Women, plays Tom, the nurse, and Lynn Davies plays Jack, the psychiatrist.

Producer Kim Davies said: "Thanks to Wayward Women, the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham offered us associate status. We see that as a tremendous tribute to Simon's writing and the talent of the actors."

Mompesson's Well receives its premiere at the Conquest Theatre in Bromyard before embarking on tour. It will be at the Arts Centre, Evesham, on Thursday, November 24, the Everyman from February 21 to 25, the Swan Theatre, Worcester, on March 9 and Number 8, Pershore, on Saturday, March 18. Tickets for the Evesham performance can be booked at Evesham Book Centre in Library Arcade (01386 45567) or the Almonry Centre in Abbey Gate (01386 442348).