Grassington Players have revisited their archives with an acclaimed former favourite for their autumn production. Originally published in 1897 as a short story in a collection by Oscar Wilde, Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime is a black comedy satirising upper-class morality.

In this adaptation for the stage by Constance Cox, Lord Arthur, told the shocking news by a palm-reader that he is destined to be a murderer, fears this will prove a complication in his forthcoming marriage and decides - with wonderful Wildean logic - that it would be better to get the deed out of the way as soon as possible.

Former President of Grassington Players, Beryl Bamforth, has returned from retirement to direct the play which she first staged with the company in 1975. She explains, “Lord Arthur is great fun to direct and to play in. A clever period comedy it gives the Players the chance to enjoy the wit, whilst at the same time stretching their skills to keep the style authentic.”

John Whyte, a familiar face on stage at Skipton Little Theatre as well as Grassington, takes the title role with Zarina Belk playing his bride to be, Sybil. The cast of five men and five women provides plenty of opportunity for some veterans of the company, including both Joan Whitakers (completely unrelated), to maximise cameo roles.

Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime will be performed in the main Town Hall in Grassington (the Devonshire Institute) at 7.30pm on Thursday 21st, Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd October. Tickets £7 – adults, £4 – concessions, are available from Grassington Hub on Garrs End Lane, telephone 01756 752222.