TWO drama societies are staging a dastardly double act as they perform a weekend of murder, mystery and fun.

Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and The Halifax Thespians are joining forces to present an alluring challenge to aspiring super sleuths.

There will be a Murder Mystery Evening on Saturday at the Playhouse in Halifax, when Detective Chief Inspector Cameron Dalgleish will be coming out of retirement to try and solve the baffling Expiry Of A Star.

The mystery evenings have proved to be very popular for many years, said Andrew Rawlinson, who plays DCI Dalgleish.

In fact, Andrew started up Murder Mystery UK almost 10 years ago with partners Neil Woodhead and Caroline Holdsworth -- who still run the company today.

Murder Mystery UK has donated a script for the evening and the organisers are hoping that both regulars and newcomers will enjoy the sleuthing fun.

The weekend will conclude with a Sunday evening performance of the award-winning production of David Tristram's The Secret Lives Of Henry and Alice, which toured local theatres earlier in the year -- to great success.

The play revolves around the apparently boring and dull lives of Henry and Alice Smith, who actually both indulge in romantic and passionate fantasies to escape their everyday existence.

The play is performed by Andrew Rawlinson and Debbie Mitchell who, for their performances in the roles of Henry and Alice earlier in the year, have been nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Play by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Tickets for both events are available from the Halifax Playhouse on 01422 365998, and an all-inclusive ticket costs just £10.