THE Thurrock Courts players are hoping their next production will not yield a chorus of disapproval from the Thameside Theatre audience...despite A Chorus of Disapproval being the name of the show!

The popular Players are leaving their comfort zone to put on the musical play by Alan Ayckbourn.

Charting the trials and tribulations of an amateur dramatic society, the 1984 play shot to popularity on the National Theatre stage in 1985 when Michael Gambon played the lead role of Dafydd Ap Llwellyn.

In1988, it was adapted into a film starring Jeremy Irons and Anthony Hopkins as Dafydd and, more recently the piece was back on stage with Rob Brydon starring in a 2012 London Revival production at the Harold Pinter theatre in london.

Now, coming to Gray’s Thameside Theatre stage, Mike Jones takes on the role of Dafydd, the director of Pendon Amateur Light Operatic Society.

The story follows young widower, Guy Jones - played by Wayne Prince - who joins the society as it puts on John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera, the plot of which is interwoven with A Chorus of Disapproval.

When Guy arrives to audition he is quickly met by a host of characters eager to exploit his good nature. As relationships blossom and business deals are done, Guy soon finds his level of involvement spiralling out of control.

A spokesman for Courts said: “It's been great fun being part of this production. As always the cast have a really strong connection which shines through.

“We love to take on a challenge, and the singing and dancing in this show have given us that. We all hope the audience will enjoy it as much as we have.”

This will be Courts’ first production since the sad loss of long serving member John Scowen, who died of Motor Neurone Disease in April. There will be four performances at the Thameside and throughout all, they will be raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease research.

Performances take place every evening, from Thursday, May 22 to Saturday, May 24. There will also be a matinee performance on the Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £10 for evening performances and only £7 for the matinee.

Friday night audience members will also benefit from the opportunity to see the late night improvised comedy by The Show Offs at a reduced rate of £5 per ticket, which are usually £12. Tickets are available now via the theatre box office by calling 0845 300 5264 or from www.thurrockcourtsplayers.co.uk.