Anarchy in rural UK at Loft

Buy photos » Jerusalem - clockwise from front left - Karl Dixon (Danny Whitworth), Joel Cooper (Lee Piper), Emma Branscomb (Tanya), David Pinner (Johnny 'Rooster' Byron), James Wolstenholme (Ginger Yates) and Sarah Sambrook (Pea). (s)

JERUSALEM, an anarchic comic play set in rural England on St George’s day, can be seen at Leamington's Loft Theatre.

Jez Butterworth' splay, which is already hailed as a modern classic, tells the story of Johnny “Rooster” Byron, dealer in drugs, booze and wild stories, who lives in a caravan on the edge of a forest in Wiltshire. He is about to be evicted by the local council to make way for a new estate.

But 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 fulfill a promise, and a terrorizing father wants to know the whereabouts of his young step-daughter.

David Pinner takes on the role of ‘Rooster’ Byron, leading a cast of both Loft stalwarts and some new faces.

Director Gordon Vallins said: "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."

Harbury Folk Club members have recorded the Padstow May Day Song for inclusion in the show. The group will also be singing live on stage 20 minutes before curtain up at performances on the opening and closing nights.

The play, which runs from February 29 to March 10, contains strong language.

For tickets and further details visit www.loft-theatre.co.uk or call 0844 493 4938 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.