MURDER, mystery and a fair amount of comedy are all promised by a village’s group of amateur actors in their next production.

Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders is the latest offering from Great Ayton Dramatic Society (GADS) and the thought of performing the Agatha Christie pastiche has attacted former members back into the fold.

Joe Page-Gibson has not performed with GADS for many years but is making a return as Toby the Vicar.

Michele Hopley will be playing the chair of the village hall committee and Rachel Roberts is an identical twin, both reappearing after having taken a short break from the society.

Along with the rest of the cast, they will be treading the boards in Christ Church Parochial Hall later this month, relaying the tale of Agatha Crusty who is not only a crime novelist but is also adept at solving crimes.

With an incompetent investigating officer, DI Twigg, there are plenty of laughs as the murders begin to pile up. And there are also numerous suspects.

Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders is being performed at 7.30pm each evening from Tuesday, May 16 to Saturday May 20, excluding Wednesday.

Tickets, priced £7 and £6 for concessions are available from Thompson’s Hardware, by telephoning the Box Office 01642-722096 or on the door.

As is the tradition with GADS, there will be a mixture of theatre and café seating. Turn up early for a table – and take a bottle.