Sheringham Little Theatre's 10-week, 5 play summer repertory season kicks off in side-splitting style on Monday (July 7), with John Godber's classic comedy Bouncers.

Sheringham Little Theatre's 10-week, 5 play summer repertory season kicks off in side-splitting style on Monday (July 7), with John Godber's classic comedy Bouncers.

Set in a northern nightclub, the drama features a cast of four actors who, as well as playing a quartet of brutish bouncers, portray more than 20 characters - from giggling girls and lads on the make, to hooray Henrys and pogo-ing punks.

The action focuses on the exploits of the four doormen and their customers as they invite audiences to share in the tatty, glitzy glamour of northern night life, with its raw energy, flashing disco lights and pulsating dance floor beat.

Directed by Bev Berridge, who has written, produced and directed the Little Theatre's annual pantomime since 2004, the 1977 play was updated by Godber in the 1990s.

"It has modern music and a modern twist and it's about getting ready for a night out, so young people can really relate to it," Mr Berridge said. "But, the reality is that it doesn't matter if we are 17 or 70, we all remember doing these things - whether it is going to a disco in the 1960s or a nightclub in the nineties. So, because of that, I do think Bouncers will appeal to everyone."

With its host of male and female characters, and no costume changes, Bouncers presents a formidable challenge for the 4-strong cast.

"It is very physical theatre and, as the characters change, the whole pace of the play changes, so one minute the actors are four macho bouncers, the next they are teenage girls dancing round their white handbags," Mr Berridge said.

Voted one of the greatest plays of the 20th century by the National Theatre, the play, which previews on Friday (July 4) in Mr Berridge's home town of Sudbury, Suffolk, won seven Los Angeles Critics Circles awards and five awards in Chicago.

"It really is a sure-fire hit," Mr Berridge said. "And, as its director, I defy anyone of any age not to enjoy this witty, fun look at life."

Little Theatre artistic director and summer rep producer Debbie Thompson hoped the play would appeal to regular theatre-goers, as well as attracting new, younger audiences.

"It does represent quite a detour from our usual summer repertory fayre, but it is such a sharp-witted, entertaining play that I am confident Bouncers will appeal to everyone," she said.

Bouncers runs from Monday (July 7) to July 15 and from July 30-August 2nd. Tickets, priced £12.50 (£8 under 18s) are available from the box office on 01263 822347.