SIDMOUTH is nearing the end of it its 2024 unique summer programme of entertainment in town’s Manor Pavilion, where country’s only surviving summer rep season continues to 21st September.

Until Saturday 14th audiences can see Ira Levin’s Deathtrap, a murder mystery full of twists and turns.

The season ends with Ben Hur, one of the greatest stories ever to grace the wide screen. Apart from the Charlton Heston epic film, Lew Wallace story set at the time of Jesus Christ and the occupation of Judaea by the Romans, was famously staged in late 19th and early 20th century theatres, particularly in the American south west, often with real chariot races (complete with horses!)

This version by Patrick Barlow features just four actors, but we are promised the chariot race – and a sea battle (with actual water)! It runs from 16th to 21st September.