The production of Irish playwright George Farquhar's 18th Century comedy is being put on by the Mansfield Palace Community Theatre Group and marks its ninth year of productions.

Set in France, the play follows two young men, Archer and Aimwell, as they fall on hard times and decide to move from town to town, entrapping young heiresses and stealing their money.

Despite the 300-year-old source material, however, director Adam Pownall says the group has adapted the play to make it accessible to a modern audience.

"Some of the language we've left in because in parts it's quite beautiful but other bits we've changed to make it easier to understand and bring it up to date a bit," he said.

"For example, one of the main themes throughout the play is about highwaymen and so we've decided to use the Adam and the Ants song Stand and Deliver.

"A lot of the crew have said it reminds them of the Carry On films in parts."

As well as Adam being a Mansfield man himself –– he qualified in performing arts at West Notts College –– the play's cast is also made up of local drama enthusiasts, all of whom are amateur performers.

"I do treat them all as professionals and they're a great, welcoming group of people," said Adam.

"We've only had 10 weeks leading up to this production and everyone has worked extremely hard to learn and understand the lines –– then they've got to performing them on top of that! I've been very impressed by them all."

The Beaux Stratagem runs from 19th-22nd November, with tickets available for £6.50 from the box office on Mansfield 633133.