John Lennon once wittily observed that "private faces in public places are wiser and nicer than public faces in private places".

This could almost serve as a hook-line for Rumours, the latest offering from the Ledbury Amateur Dramatic Society.

Described as a riotously funny farce, Neil Simons' Eighties comedy focuses on the efforts of eight party guests to spare their host, and themselves, from scandal.

The action takes place on one evening in May, in the large London residence of Charley, a prominent Government official.

The successful farce's first night was at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, California, in 1988, and the first British production took place at the Chicester Festival, on August 1, 1990.

LADS spokeswoman, Anne Lucas, said: "The play is directed for us by Phil Franklin, who has produced for BBC Midlands, the Birmingham Rep and the Colwall Players."

It will be staged at the Market Theatre from Tuesday, October 16, to Saturday, October 20, at 8pm.

Proceeds from a gala performance on Wednesday, October 17, will go to the Hospice Nurse Appeal.

Ms Lucas said: "This evening has been arranged by the Ledbury Hospice Support Group, in consultation with LADS, and with the support of the Ledbury Theatre Club."

Tickets for the gala night are sold out but tickets for other performances are on sale at Ledbury Books and Maps in the High Street.