Jerusalem a coup for Leamington theatre

And it is a major coup for the company to obtain the rights to perform Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, which is only being offered to amateur theatres for a short period while off the professional circuit, having closed at the Apollo in London last month.

An anarchic comedy, the play is set in rural England on St George’s Day and tells the story of Johnny “Rooster” Byron, dealer in drugs, booze and wild stories, living in a caravan on the edge of a forest in the ancient county of Wiltshire.

He is about to be evicted by the local council to make way for a new estate. Johnny’s mates, a motley crew of young party animals and a retired academic, gather round to help him defend his fiefdom; a local publican warns him of the consequences; his separated wife want him to fulfil a promise, and a terrorizing father wants to know the whereabouts of his young step-daughter.

Director Gordon Vallins said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work on this outstanding play, which is already being hailed as a modern classic. Jerusalem is charged with energy and brimming with vivid characters.

“It is a lively and alarming snapshot of living in the countryside of early 21st century England with a touch of disturbing magic.”

The show will feature a recording of the Padstow May Day Song by Harbury Folk Club and the group will be singing live on stage before curtain up at performances on the opening and closing nights of the play.

Jerusalem, which contains strong language, is on at the Loft Theatre from Wednesday until Saturday March 10, with performances at 7.45pm each evening, except on Sundays.

For tickets, call 0844 493 4938 or go online. Cheaper tickets are available for under 25s for the March 5 and 6 performances.