Sedgefield Players presented Strike up the Banns, a fast-moving farce by Olwen Wymark, in Sedgefield Parish Hall on Thursday, at the start of a three-night run.

This summer production by the Players is based on the impending engagement of the daughter of the house to the son of her father's boss.

Packed with many twists and turns as the two families meet, the cast milk the plot for all it is worth under the guidance of producer Walter Howell.

Particularly skilful in their performances were the father and mother, played by Geoff Clifford Brown and Rosemary Jones, especially as they switched sexes to masquerade as an unlikely uncle and aunt.

Jean Hewling made an imposing grandmother, with most definite ideas until she met her match in Terry West, the boy's father.

Richie Parry as the son and Sarah Atkinson as the daughter completed a strong cast.