The Ballad Of Dolly And Clive, which has only been staged once before, brings together more than a year’s worth of planning and organisation between Argent Theatre Newark and Upton villagers.

Villager and theatre supporter Eric Green found the play, which he thought would be perfect as a collaboration between Upton and the drama group. He asked Mary Timms, of Southwell, to direct the play.

Set in the 1990s it charts the highs and lows of a mid-life crisis, with Dolly and Clive both experiencing it at the same time.

Dolly (Yvonne Cockayne) and Clive (Jonty Redgate) are in a rut, reduced to communicating with each other, less than effectively via a frustrating series of fridge magnet poetry.

He escapes with divorced mate Dave (Tony Smith) to his 21st Century cave — the shed — while Dolly glimpses a new world through the eyes of old school friend Kathleen (Chantelle Thornley).

However, rescue is just around the corner with a misunderstanding at an evening class run by a dance teacher played by Karen Aspley, Frank Sinatra on the turntable, the persistence of their daughter Amanda, played by Laura Talbot, Dolly trying something different in the bedroom and Clive resisting the advances of a tart with a heart called Martha (Val Wilson).

A superb supporting cast of eight Balladeers complement, interpret and narrate as the story unfolds.

Mary, said: “I am delighted with the way everyone works together. It is a fun production, with singing, dancing, comedy and a bit of pathos thrown in.”

The play will be staged in Yates’s Chapel Farm Barn, Main Street, Upton, from Wednesday, July 14, to Friday, July 16, at 7.30pm — the first time a piece has been performed in the barn.

Seating and tables will be provided in the barn for anyone wanting to have a picnic beforehand. Toilets are provided, as is a licensed bar. Parking is at the British Horological Institute, Upton.

Tickets are available in advance on 01636 679000 or 01636 813812.

They are also available from Newark Tourist Information Centre, Southwell Library, at www.ticketsource.co.uk/argentheatrenewark or on the night.