ESK Valley Theatre have chosen Noël Coward's Private Lives for their summer production at the Robinson Institute, Glaisdale, near Whitby, from August 9 to September 1.

Director Mark Stratton and producer Sheila Carter are working with their biggest ever cast, a five-hand of Nicholas Goode, Laura McAlpine, Fiona Organ, Rhiannon Sommers and Garry Summers, for Coward's three-act comedy from 1930.

Amanda is divorced from Elyot and is on honeymoon with her new husband Victor. Elyot is also on honeymoon with his new wife Sibyl. The couples are enjoying the coast of France, the moon is coming up and an orchestra plays in the distance. What could possibly go wrong?

"Coward’s comedy of manners is full of wit and razor-sharp dialogue, as he exposes the private lives of the characters: lives where passions run deep and the forces of attraction run riot," says Stratton. "Let us take you back to 1930, where in public all appears to be glamour, elegance and sophistication, but in private…?"

Stratton and Carter are joined in the production team by Graham Kirk, design and lighting, Christine Wall, costumes, and Jane Williamson, company stage management.

Tickets are on sale on 01947 897587.