JOHN Godber has a new play in preparation for the winter season at Hull Truck Theatre.

His first new work since Wrestling Mad last July, Christmas Crackers will be premiered from December 7 to January 20 in a repertory production directed by Godber himself.

What happens in the play? Feisty nurses Holly and Kath are readying themselves for another hectic festive season in Hull's busy A&E department. When the locals crack into the Christmas spirit, the job becomes tougher: binge drinkers, brawls and bruises and that is only their home life.

As the icy rain falls on the city, something strange happens. Kath and Holly discover a mysterious gift of two tickets to Prague. Who left this secret surprise? An admirer, a long-lost lover, a wealthy consultant, or maybe it was Father Christmas?

In Thelma And Louise style, the nurses take Prague by storm as they are swept into a world of romance, fantasy and shoe shopping. Soon the dazzled duo will be bursting with seasonal cheer.

In a second new play this winter, Nick Lane directs the premiere of My Favourite Summer from January 25 to February 17. Lane has acquired a cult status at both Hull Truck and York Theatre Royal for his humorous works, and this is another occasion where the world will bump along the floor in amusing ways.

This time, Lane sends Dave to work alongside a nutcase called Melvin for a month in the summer job from hell. Dave has no option: he needs the pennies desperately to treat the girl he loves to a romantic break before she leaves him for good.

Box office: 01482 323638.