DUDLEY thespians will be bringing to life Daphne Du Maurier's classic tale - My Cousin Rachel - next month.

The play, based on Du Maurier's last Cornish novel and adapted for the stage by Diana Morgan, will be presented by Dudley Little Theatre at Netherton Arts Centre, Northfield Road, Netherton, from Wednesday March 11 to Saturday March 14 - with performances starting at 7.30pm.

Seasoned performer Dave Hutchins stars as Philip Ashley who inherits the estate of his beloved cousin Ambrose only to fall in love with his captivating and mysterious widow Rachel.

However doubts creep in as suspicions are raised that Rachel (played by Karen Whittingham) may have killed Ambrose in expectation of inheriting the estate.

Society spokesman Chris Ridgeway said: "Both devotees of du Maurier and newcomers to her story telling will be well rewarded with convincing performances from a strong cast under the direction of Prue Warne."

Society members gave theatre fans a sneak preview of the show when they staged a public rehearsal at Dudley Library on Saturday (February 21).

Tickets for My Cousin Rachel cost £7 standard and £6 concessions and are available from Chris Ridgeway on 01384 872583 / 07582 318017 or ordered online at www.dudleylittletheatre.org, also available through Rebecca Clee on 01902 566077 or 07954 424555.