THE Memory of Water, an intense emotional family drama, is the next production by Colwall Players.

The play is by Shelagh Stephenson, who has been described as one of the most promising dramatic prospects of the new millennium by the Daily Telegraph.

The Memory of Water centres on three sisters who meet up in their home in the north of England on the night of their mother's funeral.

The play won the Olivier Award for best comedy and its author was praised by The Guardian, who said she "combines a flair for witty dialogue with a relish for the dynamics of theatre... a mistress of comic anguish".

Lee Farley, who is directing the Colwall Players' production, said: "It's about the relationships between parent and child and between sisters, about love and death. It is very funny in parts, but it's also very moving."

He also warns that the language is strong and the play is being advertised as not suitable for children.

"It's contemporary people talking in the way contemporary people do, and we wouldn't want anyone to be surprised, which is why we're warning people," he said.

After three nights in Colwall, the play is also being performed at Led-bury's Market Theatre, a first for the Players.

The Memory of Water stars Diane Lloyd as Theresa, Angela Meredith as Mary and Anna Byers as Catherine, the three sisters.

Sue Jago plays the mother (who appears in a dream sequence), Andy Howie appears as Mike and Jim Howden as Frank.

Ian Young designed and built the set, Irene Bentley is the stage manager and David Lee is doing the lighting.

The Memory of Water is on at Colwall Village Hall on May 15, 16 and 17, at 7.30pm, and at Ledbury Market Theatre on May 22 and 23, at 8pm.

Tickets, priced £5, are available from John Goodwin Estate Agents, Colwall, for the Colwall shows, and from the Market Theatre.