HALSTEAD theatre goers will be in for a treat when a smash hit comedy comes to town.

Community drama group Stane Street Players will produce Funny Money, a play about city accountant Henry Perkins picking up the wrong briefcase on a London train, then finding it full of money.

A police officer finds Henry to investigate after his briefcase was picked up by a man who is found dead.

Henry decides to escape to Barcelona for an early retirement, but must first explain to a corrupt policeman how he found the money and why.

The play was originally chosen by club member Heather Barton, who moved to Shropshire over the summer.

Director Jackie Parish said: “The cast are still laughing at some of the one-liners even after hearing them more times than I can count.

“As director, it has been a total pleasure to work with such a talented, witty, energetic cast.

A real mixture of acting experience, the full range, from none to more than I can count.

“It has allowed those in the cast with endless experience the genuinely rewarding and pleasurable opportunity to share their skills and expertise with people just starting out treading the boards.

“Stane Street Players are very happy to welcome in particular Ashley and Paul, who are our newest members, both of whom are appearing on stage in an acting capacity, for the first time ever.”

Funny Money is a farce written by Ray Cooney which had a two-year run in the West End.

The play will be performed at Earls Colne Village Hall on October 6 and 7 and at the Empire Theatre in Halstead on October 14.

Tickets can be bought online or by phone for £10 each. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.