A TOURING theatre company is bringing not one but two productions to Kidderminster as it celebrates its 25th birthday.

York-based Riding Lights, one of the UK's most successful independent theatre companies, brings Science Friction to Kidderminster Town Hall on Wednesday.

Billed as "gripping, entertaining and challenging", the play explores the question of whether it is possible to combine the volatile elements of scientific discovery, faith and moral responsibility in a world where scientists are often accused of "playing God".

It tackles the issue by looking at two stories; Galileo's study of the heavens, which stretches the world's faith to breaking point, and a modern-day genetic research scientist who finds her professional and personal convictions clashing with life-changing effects.

The play is part of the company's National Double Tour, which celebrates 25 years in the business.

Part two comes to Kidderminster on Monday, December 2, when First Hand is staged at Holy Innocents Church in Stourport Road.

It tells little-known stories of the early church, the first three movements of a generation that reshaped the world forever.

Riding Lights opened their own home, Friargate Theatre in York, in 2000.

More information about the company is available on www.ridinglights.org.

Both Kidderminster performances begin at 7.30pm. The box office number, charged at local rates, is 0845 961 3000.