WESSEX Actors Company return to the Regent, Christchurch on Friday following their sparkling production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives.

This time they will be exploring another of English literature’s classic comedies with a production of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.

Billed as ‘Canterbury Tales – Made Modern’, this is a special adaptation of Chaucer’s original text, written by Phil Woods and Michael Bogdanov in 1974. It’s extremely funny and a little bit rude at times but nothing that you can’t bring granny along to see!

The seven-strong cast will take on about 50 roles in the Canterbury Tales. They will each have a tale to tell and then perform various supporting roles in each other’s tales.

Bawdy, anarchic and lots of fun, this modern version of the medieval masterpiece takes the form of a storytelling competition.

This new adaptation is set in the present, with each tale as a stand-alone piece all linked together by a master of ceremonies.

The approach is deliberately non-academic with the aim of still being entertaining but with all the spirit of the original’s sense of chivalry, satire and fun.

Colourful costumes, audience participation, slapstick sound effects, inventive staging, scenestealing performances and plenty of humour all add up to a bawdy romp to remember!

The performance is July 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets from the Regent, Christchurch on 01202 499199 or visit regentcentre.co.uk.