A PLAY about family life, by one of the "unsung heroes" of British theatre is set to move and amuse audiences at Colwall Village Hall.

The Colwall Players will perform John Godber’s “Happy Families” at the Mill Lane venue from October 27 to October 29, from 7.30pm each evening.

A spokesman said: "This play may be less well known than his earlier play 'Bouncers', but in true Godber style, it is a very funny play, combining boisterous, sometimes outrageous humour with moments of sadness.

"Often considered to be autobiographical, Happy Families is the story of a young man called John, who, on his graduation day, looks back over his teenage years with warmth, remembering the joys, tensions and sorrows of family life."

The spokesman added: "We follow John through the laughter and tears of family life. As he grows up, a more mature and educated John finds himself alienated from his working-class family who cannot understand his theatrical aspirations. It is an affectionate and very funny look at an ordinary family struggling with change."

The play was commissioned for the Little Theatre Guild and had the distinction of 49 simultaneous premieres by members of the Guild in 1991.

John Godber has been described as “one of the unsung heroes of British theatre", but he reaches the giddy heights of number three in the most-performed playwrights league table, only behind Shakespeare and Ayckbourn.

Happy Families is directed by Andrew Howie and will be performed by The Colwall Players in the Village Hall, Mill Lane, Colwall from 27 October until 29 October at 7.30. Tickets from John Goodwin’s Colwall office. Telephone 01684 540300.

And a special charity performance will be hosted by Colwall Rotarians on Wednesday October 26.

Rotary Club members will enjoy Happy Families with a three course dinner; the proceeds from the evening will be divided equally between a charity nominated by the Colwall Players and Rotary Charities.