Wednesday, April 18 until Saturday, April 21, Rondo Theatre, Bath.

One of the most challenging plays for any amateur group, Alan Bennett's The Lady in the Van is Bath Drama's spring production. It's being staged at the Rondo, Larkhall, from April 18-21 at 7.30pm.

The play tells the true story of Bennett's relationship with an eccentric woman living in a van, which he allows her to park on the driveway of his house. He expects her to stay a few weeks; she remains for 20 years, a constant source of irritation yet seemingly immovable.

The story is told in flashback, with Alan Bennett appearing as his modern-day self and as he was at the time. It therefore not only requires two actors who resemble him, but also a workable van which can be moved on and off stage... all within the confines of a small community theatre.

Diane Grebby plays the title role, with Derek Le Page and Steve Huggins taking the two Alan Bennetts. Helen Corkin is the well-meaning but patronising Social Worker, and Andrew Hill the sinister Underwood, a figure from the Lady's past. Richard Chivers and Karen Bazeley are the upwardly-mobile neighbours, with Iris Pearce as Bennett's mother and David Martin taking the roles of a doctor and the lady's brother.

Tickets £8/£6 concs from Bath Festival box office (01225) 463362.