A SPOOKY new story is on its way to the Preston Playhouse theatre.

The Exorcism, the latest production from the Broughton Players, will have your hair standing on end.

The dark play tells the tale of a group of friends, spending Christmas in a recently bought 17th century labourer's country cottage.

One of them receives a present -- a primitive African fertility carving. The sinister and ancient carving sets the scene for the rest of the play, and the tension starts to build.

Soon the electricity fails in the old house, and the phone goes dead.

It's the start of a macabre series of events.

Director Peter Kennedy said: "There's a big climax to the play. It's not a terrifying one, but it's one character who reveals what has been happening during the play."

The Exorcism runs from Wednesday, October 23, to Saturday, October 26, at the Playhouse Theatre, Market Street West, Preston, starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £5 for adults and £4 for concessions. For tickets ring the box office on 862787 or 717410, or visit the Guild Hall box office in Lancaster Road.