THE first 20 theatre goers who attend a north Durham show dressed in 1930s gear will be rewarded with a cocktail.

The Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley, is inviting audiences to delve into the bizarre world of a notorious tap dancing vicar and his disastrous carnival sideshows from the period The Missionary’s Position tells the true story of the infamous Harold Davidson, the Rector of Stiffkey, who was de-frocked by the church after allegations of his fraternisation with prostitutes.

Davidson later turned his story into a carnival sideshow, culminating with a very final presentation from within a lion’s den at Skegness.

A clumsy trip over the tail of the lioness resulted in a big cat attack that would prove fatal.

A theatre spokesman said: “This intriguing story is brought to life by a cast of colourful characters performing in a cheeky music hall style, a spectacle that could have come straight from a saucy seaside postcard.

“With saucy songs, daring live acts, uplifting comedy and eccentric dancing, “The Missionary’s Position is a tantalising package of entertainment that’s guaranteed to offer a lively start to the weekend.”

The show is on Friday May 15 at 8pm and tickets costing, £8-£10, can be booked by calling 01207-218899.