Pendle Borderline Theatre Company's latest production Nasty Neighbours, being performed in Colne from May 17, deals with our horrid facscination of neighbours from hell.

By Debbi Issit, it tells the story of Mr and Mrs Peach who anxiously twitch behind the net curtains of their semi wondering who will arrive next door after their best friends and former neighbours emigrate to Australia.

The new arrivals prove to be far from the ideal couple they had hoped for but just how nasty can a neighbour be?

Author Debbi Issit said: "I began to recognise that in a society that values property so highly, that invests more in bricks and mortar than in people, the concept of nasty neighbours could be deemed an inevitable outcome rather than a spot of bad luck."

Maureen Roberts, Borderline's press officer said: "Although it is billed as a black comedy it is poignant and quite moving as well as funny.

"We have now finished auditioning the garden gnomes which are an essential part of the play. We couldn't make our minds up which one was the best, so we chose them all. They will be playing on alternate nights so they won't get too tired!"

Nasty Neighbours runs from Wednesday, May 17 to Saturday, May 20 at Colne Muni. Tickets are £6 on the door or £4 in advance. Call box office: 01282 661234