A MIXTURE of murder, intrigue and suspense provide the essential ingredients for a thriller staged from today by the Sunderland Royalty Theatre amateur drama group.

The curtain goes up on The Small House by Francis Durbridge at 7.30pm, followed by a nightly showing until Saturday.

The plot revolves around Carl Houston, whose plane crashes on the way back to the UK from Australia.

He saves the life of Ronnie Sheldon, but back home Inspector Westwood shows a lot of interest in his flightbag.

The link between a koala, devious chef and emerald necklace will be revealed to those who attend the production.

Tickets are £6.50 and are available from Reynolds Outdoor Centre on 0191-565 7945.