THE latest production to take Preston's Playhouse Theatre by storm will be the hit play Silly Cow.

Written by television funny-man Ben Elton, it is set to be 'crude, rude and killingly funny'.

Mark Howard, director and star of the production, said: "It's been good fun, and it's a cracking cast.

"It's for those with a broader taste!"

The play tells the story of Doris Wallis, a venomous TV critic who specialises in celebrity scandals. Her career is on the up, and she is determined not to let anything stand in her way -- not even the 'silly, fat, talentless old cow' who is in the process of suing her for libel! During the hilarious play we meet her toyboy, her dull personal assistant, a snooty accountant, pushy editor, and some unexpected -- and funny -- twists and turns.

Doris and her fast and furious lifestyle makes for a hilarious and dark play. The writer is so poisonous to the celebrities she writes about that in her own words: "Bogeymen get scared imagining me under their beds!"

Mark said: "It's typical of Ben Elton. If you like him you will love the play.

"It's got quite a good story running through it as well. There are lots of young people in it too, so it's good for anyone from 18 years old and up."

Silly Cow was a hit on the West End stage and looks set to repeat its popular run in Preston.

The play is produced by the Seriously Entertaining drama group, who are riding high after teaming up with St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Hall, Preston, for their Return to the Forbidden Plant musical last year.

Starring talented local actors Ann-Marie Cruickshank, Matt Seed, Naomi Smith, Ian Warburton and actor director Mark Howard, the Playhouse looks set to be ringing to the sound of laughter.

Silly Cow runs at the Preston Playhouse on Market Street West, until Saturday, May 18. Tickets are available on 716389.