Back in 2019 there we were, working towards our autumn production, the award-winning Vicar of Dibley, and little did we know what was coming.

But two years, many Zoom play readings and quizzes later, we are back and golly does it feel good!

Earlier this year, we started to talk about the possibility of another production. We had been rehearsing a Shakespeare play when lockdown hit, but after a chat we found we were all agreed on one thing - we need a laugh!

The gauntlet was thrown down and our fabulous director Helen Rasmussen (The 39 Steps, A Bunch of Amateurs to name but two) was sent off to find us a script, and she has done us proud!

Maldon Drama Group are very pleased to present The Ladykillers!

Many will remember the wonderful film starring Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers, Herbert Lom, Cecil Parker, Danny Green and the wonderful Katie Johnson, but imagine taking the film script and having it adapted for stage by Graham Linehan, the creator of Father Ted.

Needless to say, the result is a well-written, fast-moving comedy giving us not just a giggle but proper belly laughs. And that's just the cast and crew!

Many familiar faces are starring in the production including gang villains Neil Fisher, Scott Peters, Chris Pond, Ghislaine Davis and Connor Smith.

Carey Brown plays Mrs Wilberforce and there is a supporting cast comprising Heather Lucas, Karen Smith, Martin Adams and Gill Peregrine.

Gill is also our stage manager, Alfred Knightbridge is our ever reliable prompt, Michelle Edgington co-directs and we are grateful to have a great technical team in Simon Cooke (effects and lights) and Ian McDonald (sound).

This version of the play is very close to the original 1955 Ealing Comedy telling the story of the sweet elderly Mrs Wilberforce who is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing.

Posing as amateur musicians, the villains plot to involve Mrs W, unwittingly in their brilliantly conceived heist!

Mrs Wilberforce becomes wise to their ruse and the gang conclude that there is only one way to keep the old lady quiet. With only her sickly parrot, General Gordon, to help her, Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate men.

But who will be forced to face the music?

Production dates are 14-16 October, 7.45pm.

Doors open at 7pm and there is a bar.

Tickets are available from the MDG website using the link here or from the MDG secretary on 07928 403991.

Stall tickets cost £10 each and balcony tickets cost £12.

In association with Samuel French & NODA.