ALAN AYCKBOURN needs no introduction to the audiences of Bingley Little Theatre who have enjoyed his comedies many times.

But BLT’s latest play from the Scarborough-based theatre legend explores a different genre.

Snake in the Grass is a powerful suspense drama of depth and subtlety where two sisters experience a challenging relationship.

At Bingley Arts Centre from October 22 to 27, Snake In The Grass is certainly a contrast to Ayckbourn’s play of last season in Bingley, the comedy Sisterly Feelings.

In the latest play, Ayckbourn asks audiences to ponder the question: “Can a ghost story reveal truths about human nature?”.

Annabel (Geraldine Woodhouse) and Miriam (Rachel Conyers)) are brought together by their father’s death.

The situation is compounded by the accusation made by their father’s vindictive nurse Alice (Liz Hall), that one of them murdered the obnoxious old man.

A Bingley Little Theatre spokesman said: “If, as the playwright claims, we are all haunted by the ghosts of the past, how have childhood experiences impacted upon these two sisters as, compassionately and sensitively, their feelings and personalities emerge.

“And which ghosts are real, which exist in the mind and which, if any, are just a hoax?”

The play’s director, Deborah Mouat, has experience both as actor and director at Bingley Little Theatre and Keighley Playhouse.

She said Snake in the Grass played to that strength, giving the three actresses a good challenge as they grappled with their complex characters.

Visit bingleyartscentre.co.uk or call 01274 567983 to book tickets for the play.