WHEN WE Are Married was the first play seven be performed by the group now known as Keighley Playhouse.

And this week, 67 years later, JB Priestley’s comedy classic is being revived at the group’s Devonshire Street theatre.

Keighley Little Theatre came into being in 1947 after Frederick Pye met with seven like-minded people to discuss the viability of forming an amateur group for the staging of plays.

When We Are Married was presented to a supportive yet small enthusiastic audience.

The latest production, directed by Robin Martin, will be performed to bigger audiences, but the enjoyment level is sure to be the same.

When We Are Married centres on three couples, married on the same day, at the same church, by the same vicar.

When the couples gather to celebrate 25 years of blissful matrimony and the drinks begin to flow, it becomes apparent that those vows weren’t as binding as they first thought.

Penned by one of Yorkshire’s favourite authors, the comedy offers the possibility that all three weddings were officially never sanctioned.

That might not matter so much in today’s liberal times, but in 1908 such a matter could well have been a public scandal of monumental significance, opening the floodgates to public derision and humiliation.

Director Robin Martin said: “In a world where respectability and class are paramount, it’s unclear which is least acceptable to each couple - their public or private status.

“What follows, shows how each couple deals with this newfound knowledge as they try to decide on the best course of action whilst attempting to keep the embarrassing truth from the neighbours.”

Given their standing in the local community, the respectable couples initially want to keep the whole business hushed-up. Hilarity follows as uninvited guests start to call and an old flame returns.

With a photographer due to arrive any time from the local newspaper, will holy matrimony be restored or will it all end in tears?

As events unfold, some see a chance to escape from relationships that have been rather less than true marital bliss. As new information is revealed, this table-turning twist follows the couples and the possibility of new-found freedom from matrimony.

Robin added: “The play is as much a historical piece for The Keighley Playhouse as it is a comedy.

“It's also a play that have actors fighting for parts because of the richness of the characters, and the riches are to be found in Priestley's unique concept and nimble dialogue.

“It has quick wit, superb comebacks and a feel-good quality. It’s a rip-roaring comedy with a blessed union of laughs and surprises.”

When We Are Married is running this week until Saturday, at 7.30pm. Call 07599 890 769 to check ticket availability.