A “boundary-pushing” Thurrock theatre group is bringing the "hilarious” East End play ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ to the stage this September.

The "deliriously funny" play by Richard Bean, is an adaptation of an 18th century Italian comedy which replaces the Italian period setting of the original with Brighton in 1963.

It is the latest in a line of productions Early Doors Productions have brought to the stage, following 1984, Trainspotting, Dracula, The 39 Steps and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest .

Set in the swinging Sixties, the play centres around “socially naïve” Francis Henshall who is employed by a small time East End hood to collect a £6,000 debt in Brighton.

But not everyone is who they first appear to be, and poor Francis ends up as frantic go-between between the two criminals on the run from the law.

Having toured internationally and in the West End to rave reviews, this is the first time a Thurrock company have brought One Man Two Guvnors to the stage.

The play is a re-write of ‘Servant of Two Masters’, a 1743 Commedia dell'arte style comedy play by the Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni.

Early Doors Productions was set up in 2010 by Amy Clayton and Justin Cartledge from Grays, who both studied performing arts at Palmer’s College.

Made up of a mix of amateur and professional actors, the aim, they say, is to put on challenging productions with a “film influence”.

Director Amy Clayton, from Grays, said of the West End production: “Not being a farce fan, I found it a little contrived. I went back to the script several months later and still found myself laughing out loud at it which is why I thought "Do you know what? I'm gonna give this a go."

She added: “I don't know if I'll achieve something better, funnier, faster, brighter or even 'acceptable' than the West End production, but what I can say is, the team are having a whole load of fun in rehearsals, and I know audiences will love it too.”

The group already work in Grays, Brentwood, Ingatestone and Chelmsford, and are also investigating theatres in London.

The show is on September 15, 16 and 17 at The Cramphorn Theatre in Chelmsford at 7.45pm.

To book call 01245 606505 or go online: http://www.theatresonline.com/theatres/chelmsford-theatres/cramphorn-theatre/whats-on.html