A STEAMY, bodice- ripping, erotic, psychological thriller is coming to the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury next week.

August Strindberg's classic drama, Miss Julie, shocked and disoriented the audience when it was released in 1888.

Now director Michael Armstrong has achieved a similar kind of emotional reaction with his new translation.

Miss Julie tells the story of an aristocratic girl who intrudes upon her servant's festivities and embarks upon a sexual cat and mouse game with one of her father's servants, Jean, culminating in sex.

In the aftermath, Jean's class-ridden ambitions come to the fore as the sado-masochistic sexual and psychological encounter between mistress and servant takes their game playing to a deadly and terrifying conclusion.

The play comes with a warning because it contains nudity, violence and explicit sex scenes. The producers have also warned that it is unsuitable for people under the age of 16 or those of a nervous disposition.

Miss Julie is being staged at the Roses on Wednesday, May 23 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced between £5 and £8.50 and are available from the box office on 01684 295074.