One for the Road by Willy Russell September 19-26 7.45pm

Dennis is less than enamoured with his gift from Jane and Roger. His wife Pauline looks on, concerned. Photo: Tony Rogers

The 2015-2016 season at the Chesil Theatre, Winchester, opens with a witty, observant comedy, One For The Road. Written by Willy Russell, the Liverpool playwright is best known for Shirley Valentine, Educating Rita, Our Day Out and Blood Brothers.

All is not well on the Castlehills Estate, where the new homeowners vie for social status. Puerile vandalism in this upwardly mobile area has resulted in decapitated garden gnomes, foaming water features and a Venus de Milo statue with added arms.

Only Dennis and Pauline's garden has escaped so far. Roger and Jane, their pretentious neighbours, are determined to uncover the culprits. Could it be the Parnes kids… or could Dennis’ dread of his approaching 35th birthday, along with his dissatisfaction of his life and its John Denver records and poshed-up cottage pie, offer any clues?  

The play has all Russell's signature flair for humorous dialogue with the underlying darkness of people knowing their youth has past and with it their wild ambitions. 

Director Jim Glaister is tackling his first full length play at the Chesil. As well as directing for 10x10 between 2010-2014, he has directed several short films, winning awards at the Winchester Short Film Festival in 2013 and 2014.  

Jim said: "As well as being very funny, One For The Road is rich with subtext about lost dreams, mid-life crisis, materialistic aspirations and disillusionment - which makes it all the more enjoyable to direct." 

One For The Road opens on Saturday September 19th 7.45pm and runs until 26th with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday 26th

Tickets from £11 available online at chesiltheatre.org.uk or by calling 03336 663366.