A West Cumbrian theatre group will bring a classic black comedy hit to Workington.

The Playgoers will stage The Ladykillers at the town's Theatre Royal next week.

The 1955 Ealing Studios film has been adapted for stage by Father Ted scriptwriter Graham Linehan.

Morgan Sweeney, director, said: "Rehearsals are going wonderfully well, we have a very strong experienced cast. The set is a little complicated because part of the stage is elevated to create a bedroom and actors are thrown, pushed or fall out of a window into a passing goods-train, but we're getting familiar with it."

The plot follows Mrs Wilberforce, a sweet little old lady,who lives all alone in her slowly subsiding house in King’s Cross, London. A group of rather eccentric amateur musicians arrive, wanting to rent a room from her. Meanwhile, a major robbery has been carried out nearby. Could there be some connection between the mysterious musicians and the gang of villains the police are looking for?

Morgan said: "The stage adaptation really is better than the film, it's much sharper, it's a smashing play.

"It's recently become very popular with amateur groups and everybody who's gone to see it thought it would be a good one to try.

"It's very broad, it's got a really good plot, I think people of any age will enjoy it. There's someone for everybody to identify with.

"We're really looking forward to the opening night, we're very excited."

The Ladykillers will be staged at the Theatre Royal, Washington Street, Workington, from Tuesday, March 20, to Saturday, March 24.

Doors open at 6.30pm and performances start at 7.30pm each night.

Tickets cost £11, concessions £10, and can be bought at www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk