A NEW version of Moliere's classic comedy Tartuffe is to be staged in Teesdale later this month.

The play, to be performed at Mickleton Village Hall on Wednesday, October 30, at 7.30, is described as "the original Carry On film plot - an hilarious and outrageous classic that still gets audiences laughing 350 years on."

Tartuffe, a rotten, religious impostor, worms his way into the once ordered household and vulnerable heart of prosperous merchant Orgon. Under the guise of piety, he looks set to succeed in driving away the son, marrying the daughter, seducing the wife, imprisoning Orgon and leaving the family destitute, despite the best efforts of Orgon's streetwise servant, Dorin.

Cue disguises, thwarted lovers, eavesdropping and the famous table scene, considered by many to be one of the funniest comic set pieces ever written for stage.

This version of Tartuffe by Stewart Howson is performed in a style with its roots in classic Italian Commedia del'Arte, yet with a relevance and humour that is aimed at delighting modern day audiences.

Tickets are available from Mickleton post office or service station.