HALSTEAD theatre goers will be in for a treat when a smash hit comedy comes to town.

Community drama group Stane Street Players will produce Funny Money, a play about city accountant Henry Perkins picking up the wrong briefcase on a London train, then finding it full of money.

A police officer finds Henry to investigate after his briefcase was picked up by a man who is found dead.

Henry decides to escape to Barcelona for an early retirement, but must first explain to a corrupt policeman how he found the money and why.

The play was originally chosen by club member Heather Barton, who moved to Shropshire over the summer.

Director Jackie Parish, said: “The cast are still laughing at some of the one-liners even after hearing them more times than I can count.

“As director, it has been a total pleasure to work with such a talented, witty, energetic cast.

“A real mixture of acting experience, the full range, from none to more than I can count.

“It has allowed those in the cast with endless experience the genuinely rewarding and pleasurable opportunity to share their skills and expertise with people just starting out treading the boards.

“Stane Street Players are very happy to welcome in particular Ashley and Paul, who are our newest members, both of whom are appearing on stage in an acting capacity, for the first time ever!

“We have laughed a great deal during the weeks leading up to the performances of this production.

“I sincerely hope that the fun and immense hard work, which has gone into Funny Money, has resulted in a play worthy of you, our audience.”

Funny Money is a farce written by Ray Cooney which had a two-year run in the West End.

In 2006 the play was adapted into a film starring Chevy Chase.

Club member Lesley Brennen, said: “We rehearse twice a week and we could not put on our shows without the help of our technical team.

“These include Phil, Jim Katrina, and Donna who are in charge of props.

“Jackie, our prompt, also has the very important part of ringing our telephone and door bells!

“We also cannot do it without Dorinda who makes us endless cups of tea.

“On behalf of all cast I can say that we are have so enjoyed our rehearsals.

“We have gone through the play many, many times and still laugh at all the great lines.

“We are really looking forward to sharing this with the audience and I’m sure they will find it as funny as we do.”

The play will be performed by Stane Street Players, an amateur drama group, on Friday October 6.

The group have put on a total of 120 productions in the local area, including Dirty Dusting, a comedy about a group of old aged cleaners who start a phone sex line.

Tickets can be bought online or by phone for £10 each.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

For tickets, phone the box office on 07423 063007.

Visit www.stanestreetplayers.co.uk