It is performing "Lettice and Lovage", a comedy from playwright Peter Shaffer, whose other works include "Amadeus" and "Equus", both adapted for film.

"Lettice and Lovage" was first performed in London in 1987 and transferred to Broadway in 1990 with its original stars, Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack.

The unusual title refers to the name of the character played by Dame Maggie, "Lettitia Douffet", whose nickname is, fairly obviously, Lettice, and to the herb tea she loves, made from lovage.

Lettice is employed as a guide at boring ancestral homes and enhances the truth with horror stories of death and derring-do, loved by her audiences, but not approved of by her employer, Ms Lotte Schoen, originally played by Margaret Tyzack.

Things come to a head when Lettice is sacked, but that leads to an unusual friendship between sworn opponents, two different characters, two views of the world, history and truth, yet drawn together.

RATS own "grand dames" of the stage, Deb Groves and Susan Cronshaw, take the principal roles, with other players including John Royle and Jean Skilbeck.

The play has been produced and directed by Robin Simmons, who has moved the RATS to new heights with his choice of plays.

"Lettice and Lovage" will be performed at Ribchester Parochial Hall on May 8th, 9th and 10th at 7-45 p.m. with the bar open from 7-15 p.m. To reserve tickets, phone 01254 878530.

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