IF your children have left home and you wonder what to do about the gap in your life a trip to Winchester Theatre Royal should amuse you.

Playwright John Godber, whose new comedy is at Theatre Royal until Saturday April 8, knows just how you feel.

The Empty Nesters’ Club describes the hilarity and heartache felt by a couple when their daughter leaves for University.

Vicky, her husband and their daughter share their story of empty bedrooms, fresher's flu, boyfriends, long goodbyes, motorway service stations, trips to Ikea, changing relationships and everything else that happens when your only daughter flees the nest.

Written and directed by John Godber, The Empty Nesters’ Club is based on his and his wife’s own experience of their daughter leaving home for university. John Godber is one of the most performed writers in English, thanks to plays like Up’N’Under, Teechers and Bouncers.

The Stage described The Empty Nesters’ Club as ‘a socially relevant comedy with riveting acting’. The Times called it ‘a sit-com that is also a bit of a sad-com’ and an ‘entertaining slice of real life’ and said, ‘For those of us who know all about the empty nest it certainly works.’

There are performances each evening at 7.30pm and a matinee on Friday at 1.30pm. Tickets are available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk and on 01962 840 440.