MURKY pasts abound in Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society's production of The Chalk Garden by Enid Bagnold on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 8, 9 and 10.

Written by Enid Bagnold, the acclaimed author of National Velvet, The Chalk Garden concerns an upper middle class dysfunctional family where the lonely, ageing grandmother is looking after an excitable grandchild, a dying butler and an unresponsive garden with assistance from an inexperienced but willing manservant.

The arrival of a new companion for the grandchild, plus two other visitors bring a host of revelations and problems. The newcomers include the child's mother; re-married, re-located and pregnant; and an old friend of the lady of the house, the judge.

Over all this sits the unseen presence of Pinkbell, the former butler from the grand house in London, dying in a bed upstairs but still attempting to run the household and its life.

Julia Procter and Anne Lang star as the two feisty ladies, David Procter as the man servant and Keith Flood as the judge. Playing the part of the precocious teenager is Bryony Frost, following her superb playing of one of the maiden aunts in Arsenic and Old Lace. Rebecca Parkinson is the returning mother who stirs up old rivalries.

Tickets available from Jean Skilbeck on 01254 878530 or Ribchester Post Office.

Please note a 7.30pm start and licensed bar opening at 7pm.