SHAFTESBURY Arts Centre’s music and drama group has chosen a dark comedy with a supernatural twist for its autumn production, from Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th October.

Rehearsal, by talented local playwright, educator and author Steve McAuliffe, blends humour, chaos, and a touch of the unworldly with a setting and plot that make it an ideal choice as we head into the dark winter nights.

Set in the crumbling remains of a once-grand theatre that is now scheduled for demolition, Rehearsal follows the tumultuous behind-the-scenes drama of a group of actors, most of whom are washed-up veterans of the stage, attempting to pull together a play.

The production quickly descends into disorder – the play they are rehearsing is only half-written, their relationships are fraught with backbiting and rivalry and the theatre seems to be falling apart around them. To top it all, the actors begin to suspect they are not alone …

The ghosts of former performers start to make their presence felt, adding a sinister, surreal twist to an already chaotic situation.

This original play by Steve McAuliffe offers a sharp commentary on the quirks and challenges of the theatre world, while also providing plenty of eerie suspense and laugh-out-loud moments. With witty dialogue and richly drawn characters, it’s an enticing prospect for any theatre -goer with a taste for dark comedy.

The cast, directed by Joni de Winter, is Wendy Ibbotson, Nicki Porter, Rebecca Greenway, Rebecca Foley, Jerome Swan, Alex Chase and Harvey Cormack.

After the Friday performance, there will be a Q&A with the playwright, who will be interviewed by Joni de Winter, offering the audience a unique opportunity to learn about the creative process behind the writing of the play.