THE 1812 Theatre Company revives Frank Marcus’s controversial comedy The Killing Of Sister George at Helmsley Arts Centre from Wednesday to Saturday.

“When it was first staged in June 1965, Marcus was understandably cautious in his writing of a play that deals with lesbian relationships, which unlike homosexual ones had never been illegal,” says director Alan Avery.

“He gives no stage directions for the love scenes and the play could be performed as a rather simple comedy, but as such would lack the depth the piece requires.”

The Killing Of Sister George had caused an outcry in 1965 with its scenes of lesbian love and language that had not been seen or heard before.

“Now, in 2011, same-sex partnerships and marriage are more acceptable,” says Alan. “Yet Marcus’s play has not lost any of its edge, not because of the sexuality of the characters but because of the enduring pathos of love gained and lost and ambition thwarted that it portrays.”

Marcus charts the rise and fall of actress June Buckridge, who stars in a long-running radio soap opera, Applehurst, as kindly district nurse Sister George. In real life, however, she is a bad-tempered, sadistic, self-centred alcoholic, living in a lesbian relationship with a younger woman.

Slowly June’s life dissolves around her as her soap character is killed off to boost ratings and her lover, Alice, is stolen from her by a BBC executive.

“Our production retains the atmosphere of the original play and pulls no punches, mixing laughter with pathos as Sister George meets her inevitable end,” says Alan.

“Although now nearly 46 years old, the play still has the power to shock, amuse and provoke thought and discussion. DH Lawrence wrote about lesbian love in the 1920s and while society has largely moved on in its attitudes to same sex relationships and countless films and TV programmes on the subject have been made, the stage still awaits a play to take up the challenge thrown down by Frank Marcus’s remarkable work.”

Pauline Noakes leads the 1812 cast as June, Gayle Dennis is Alice, Liz Cox, the BBC executive, and Diana Gaunt completes the company. Tickets for the 7.30pm performances cost £12, concessions £10, on 01439 771700 or online at helmsleyarts.co.uk