The St Neots Players are in training for a dramatic rugby match as a team of underdogs take on the best side in the north of England.

Described by the group as funny, poignant, and a ‘must’ for all comedy fans, Up ’n’ Under follows the amateur rugby team from the Wheatsheaf Arms pub as they find themselves catapulted into the big leagues.

The definition of amateur, they are only able to muster a side of four and have an unbroken record of defeat, setting a personal best with a score of 54-0.

For an outrageous bet, retired player Arthur sets about getting the Wheatsheaf boys geared up for a match against the team from the Cobblers Arms, who are touted as the number one team in the north. He enlists the help of body-building gym owner Hazel and puts them into an intense training programme. It remains to be seen whether his efforts are enough to help them triumph over the ferocious Cobblers Arms players.

Dedicated to the rugby league fans of Hull and created for the Hull Truck Theatre Company, this comedy premiered at the Edinburgh Festival in 1984, where it won a Fringe First Award and subsequently the 1984 Laurence Olivier award for Comedy of the Year. It was also made in to a successful 1998 film starring Gary Olsen, Neil Morrissey and Samantha Janus (now Womack).

INFORMATION: The play will run from Thursday, September 18, to Saturday, September 20 at the Priory Centre, St Neots, with performances at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12 for adults, £10 for concessions and £40 for a family ticket from 01480 388922 or www.stneotsplayers.co.uk.