A classic Ealing comedy comes to the Walton stage next month, performed by the Ember Players.

To kick off their 2014 drama season, the amateur dramatics group take on a stage adapation of the 1955 classic comedy, The Ladykillers, which starred Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom.

Based on William Rose’s original Bafta-winning screenplay, the stage version is modelled on a script by Graham Lineham, co-writer of Channel 4’s Father Ted.

Director Steve Clunn says: “I have been trying to get the amateur rights for years and when they suddenly became available, I dropped everything to deliver The Ladykillers for our spring slot. “It is an incredibly funny play and I guarantee a great night of local theatre for a fraction of London prices, of course.”

Described as a black comedy, The Ladykillers also reaches moments of high farce.

Sweet and eccentric old widow Mrs Wilberforce lives alone and has little to occupy her time, with only a raucous parrot for company.

When Mrs Wilberforce is approached by the sinister Professor Marcus to rent rooms, she is blissfully unaware he has assembled a gang of hardened criminals to pull off a bank heist.

To cover himself and to throw her off the scent, the professor convinces Mrs Wilberforce that the group is an amateur string quintet needing a rehearsal room.

Featuring Gillian Beaney as Mrs Wilberforce, Jonathan Clark as Professor Marcus and Nick Plaut as con man The Major, the production promises to bring a night of entertainment to Walton.

The Ladykillers performed by the Ember Players; Cecil Hepworth Playhouse, Hurst Grove, Walton; May 1 to May 3, 8pm; £12; for tickets call 07802 261904.