A PLAY parodying a well-loved crime novelist is being performed in Great Totham next month.

The production, titled ‘Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders’ is at Great Totham Village Hall from March 21 to March 23.

The show is produced by Maldon and District Dramatics Society (MADDS). 

It puts a humourous spin on author Agatha Christie in the form of lead character Agatha Crusty - pronounced ‘Croosty’ - a crime novelist with a penchant for solving crimes.

Invited by sister-in-law Alice to the village of Chortleby, Agatha meets several characters along the way who are potential suspects.

Familiar MADDS face Holly Stanhope will take on the role of Agatha while actors from other productions will also appear.

The play will be directed by the society's Carole Hart, assisted by Aimee Hart.

A spokesman said: “The cast have been already hard at work since the beginning of the year,  and rehearsals are going very well.

“Lots of laughs and fun, as well as a genuine murder mystery to try and work through.”

On show nights, doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Parking is available, and the bar will be open before the show and at the interval.

 Tickets are £11 (£8 concessions) at MADDS.co.uk/tix.