SPIRITS of the spooky and alcoholic variety both feature in the latest production by Bishampton Barnstormers.

In fact, village residents and players were asked to save up and donate gin bottles for use in the company's latest production, Ghost Writer by David Tristram, which opens at Bishampton Villages Hall on Thursday, November 28, for a three-night run.

The play, which is directed by Sue Griffith, begins on the first anniversary of the death of Ruby Pinfold, a talented actress who died from an overdose of booze and pills after the last night party of the theatre company's production of Hamlet, fronted by TV soap star Julian Dando.

A year on, Ruby's playwright husband Edward - unable to face the emotional torment of living in the house he shared with her and still deeply affected by her loss - has now moved into his gay friend's attic when he is introduced to Glenda.

Barnstormer Julie Hartshorne said: "We asked people if they could bring in their empty gin bottles and were amazed by how many they collected.

"It's a murder mystery with an element of comedy. We've even invited David Tristram along, so we hope he'll come along and see it."

Director Sue Griffith said: "We all read through the play some time ago and really liked it, so we decided to do it. We've done quite a few comedies."

Tickets are on sale at the village shop in Bishampton or available from Sue Griffith on 01386 462306.