A COMEDY drama written by a Rab C. Nesbitt actor and set in a public washhouse is being staged in Farnworth.

The Steamie, penned by Tony Roper, who played Rab’s best pal Jamesie Cotter in the BBC sitcom, will be at Farnworth Little Theatre from Saturday to November 16.

It follows the lives of a group of 1950s Glasgow women, washing their clothes in a public washhouse, known as a steamie, on Hogmanay.

Andrew Close, director, said: “As they gossip, laugh, sing and cry together — both hindered and helped by the Steamie’s ubiquitous handy man, Andy — the quartet conjure up a poignant, hilarious cameo of life in 1950s Glasgow, when community was everything.”

Among the heat and the suds, Mrs Culfeathers, Dolly, Doreen and the irrepressible Magrit swap tales on menfolk, memories and mince, as they wring sheets dry over sinks and scrub the dirt from their husbands’ overalls with ferocity, dedication and a wicked sense of humour.

Cast members taking part are Carol Butler, Donna Cubbage, Janet Leather, Lesley Norris and Mark Leigh.

The Steamie is being staged by Farnworth Little Theatre from November 9 to 16, with an extra 2pm matinee on Saturday 16.

Tickets cost £8 and £6 and are available by calling 0845 643 0808 or online, with no booking fee, from farnworthlittletheatre.co.uk.