A FAMOUS comedy is being given a rare local performance by the Hoghton Players.

The Noble Spaniard, by W Somerset Maugham, is being staged at two venues including Hoghton Tower which is rarely used for amateur performances.

Russell Atkinson, director and actor for the Players, said: "The play isn't often done by amateur groups and it's a while since it was played locally.

"It's extremely funny and always plays to appreciative audiences."

The play set in the 1850s tells the tale of a nobleman from Spain who falls in love with a young Englishwoman holidaying in France.

Mr Atkinson said: "The Noble Spaniard fancies one of the women, and he thinks she is married. But he decides he is going to kill her husband in a duel. So he challenges all the men in the household, and only finds out the truth at the end of the play.

He added:"Hoghton Tower isn't often used as a play venue. We are very close to a full house so anybody who wants to come needs to call now."

The play is being performed at Hoghton Village Hall on January 30, 31 and February 1, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £4 to £4.50. Then at Hoghton Tower on February 6, 7 and 8.

The tower performances include a carved buffet supper for £20.

Tickets for both productions are available from Ian and Stephanie Murray at the Filling Station, Station Road, Hoghton, on 01254 852258.