Investigating the fishy goings-on surrounding a murder will lead a bumbling inspector into a ghostly and farcical hunt for a killer.

All will be revealed when the Rushen Players return to the stage with their version of Peter Gordon’s comedy ’Death by Fatal Murder’ next weekend.

The play will feature a host of Rushen Players regulars, with Graham Roberts reprising the lead role of Inspector Pratt, aided by Juan Bridson as PC Thomkins who are sent to investigate a mysterious disappearance at Bagshot House, the home of the late Colonel Haddock, who may be trying to help the hapless coppers from beyond the grave.

Also appearing are David Leiserach, Maire Stephens as Colonel Haddock’s daughter, Nancy, Robyn Hughes as the land army girl Ginny Farquhar,

Oonagh Walsh Miss Maple, an amateur sleuth, Pauline Johnson, Matthew Warren and Brian Matthews.

The play will be directed by Catie Angus, who also led the Rushen Players’ previous staging of an Inspector Platt play, with the group performing ’Sleighed to Death’ in 2018, also starring Graham in the lead role.

This is the first time the Rushen Players will have been on stage all together since the theatre reopened and Adrienne Sanderson, from the Rushen Players said they are excited to be treading the boards once more.

’We feel so very fortunate to be living on our island, where, unlike most place in the world currently we are able to present live theatre to a live audience, as in the good old days, last year,’ said Adrienne.

’During lockdown we had many regular play-readings, using Zoom.

’This proved to be fun, especially when things went a bit adrift and it was a great way to keep in touch with fellow thespians.

’But wow, how wonderful it was when we were actually able to meet up in person again for play readings.

’We found it quite emotional and realised that we were all actually rather fond of each other.

’We all hope to see you for a bit of total escapism, guaranteed to drive away those November blues and put smiles on your faces.’

’Death by Fatal Murder’ is on at the Erin Arts Centre from next Thursday to Saturday, November 19 to 21, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and available on 832662.