Alan Ayckbourn's new drama, Snake In The Grass, is a tale of suspense and ghosts from the past.

Opening on Thursday in its world premiere at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, Ayckbourn's 61st play is his first thriller since 1994's chamber piece, Haunting Julia, last seen at the SJT in 1999.

In his new work, Annabel and her sister Miriam tend to a sunlit garden filled with deeply buried childhood memories. When night begins to fall, is it only the past which comes back to haunt them, or could there be something infinitely more terrifying?

Presented in the round with a cast of three, the Snake In The Grass plot twists and thickens as the two sisters become embroiled in a sinister plan that tests their relationship as well as their morality.

Directed by Ayckbourn, the cast comprises Susie Blake, an SJT favourite last in Scarborough for Virtual Reality; Fiona Mollison, best known to television audiences as the scandalous Victoria in Hollyoaks; and Rachel Atkins, twice a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company.

This trio also will appear in a new revival of Alan Ayckbourn's 1978 comedy Joking Apart, to be staged at the SJT on various dates between July 11 and September 7.

The creative team is completed by Roger Glossop, designer; Mick Hughes, lighting designer; John Pattison, original music; and Christine Wall, costume designer.

Snake In The Grass runs in the summer season repertoire on assorted dates between May 30 and September 7. For tickets, ring 01723 370541.

Updated: 09:05 Friday, May 24, 2002