DON'T be misled by the name - the Easy Life theatre Company clearly enjoys no such thing.

Eight years ago, in a move which would have had most amateur directors reaching for the smelling salts, agricultural technical adviser Gordon Neagle founded a new society which right from the start he planned as a touring company.

An incredibly ambitious move for an amateur group, it is nevertheless one that seems to have paid off for Neagle and his baby, Easy Life.

Based in Somerset, Neagle, his cast and crew pack their sets, props and costumes in a 9ft trailer every night and set off to perform at venues as far-flung as the Midlands.

It is a testament to both their talent and determination that they continue to enjoy the experience (even on top of work, school, etc) and are now performing at more venues than ever before.

"We like a challenge. You tend to get very complacent if you're stuck in the same venue all the time," says Neagle, explaining his reasons for founding the company.

"Every night for us in an opening night and a closing night. At the end of the run we are exhausted, but there is a tremendous feeling of satisfaction for what's been achieved."

Neagle, whose latest production, a new version of Dickens's Old Curiosity Shop, comes to King Alfred's College, Winchester, later this month, is convinced the rigours the company routinely put themselves through have helped shape them into one of the best amateur outfits around.

"We do it for the love of it, but we are bordering on the semi-professional. We all belong to other companies as well," he says.

"One of the biggest difficulties is trying to make everything fit. This time, we are doing ten performances in eight venues. All those spaces are different sizes. Therefore, the lighting platform and staging has to contract and expand almost every night."

For their latest production, Neagle have planned Easy Life's most extensive tour yet.

The Old Curiosity Shop has been four years in the offing.

"I wanted something that wasn't David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickleby or Great Expectations. They have been done so many times.

"I discovered The Old Curiosity Shop hadn't been adapted for the stage before. We were about to adapt it ourselves when we checked with the Dickens House Museum, who said there had just been this new version done at the Southwark Playhouse in London."

Witnessing the production for himself, Neagle realised it fitted the Easy Life bill perfectly and managed to attain the performing rights before the play was made available to other professional or amateur groups.

In typical Dickens style, The Old Curiosity Shop is rich in atmosphere and character. It tells the story of young Nelly Trent (Little Nell) and her impecunious grandfather, who flee their debts and set off on an eventful journey around England.

Famously derided by Oscar Wilde for Little Nell's death scene, and featuring a character with the unlikely name of Dick Swiveller, Neagle nevertheless believes the production will be a rewarding one for the audience.

"People will certainly learn a little bit more about Victorian times. They will also see a fast-moving, emotional, humorous piece of theatre."

The Old Curiosity Shop, performed by the Easy Life Theatre Company, is at the John Stripe Theatre, King Alfred's College, Winchester on November 29 at 7.30pm.

For tickets and information, call the box office on 01962 827492.