Don't miss this poignant drama at The Stables

Minghella is probably best known for his films including The English Patient, The Talented Mr Ripley and Truly, Madly, Deeply, before his death in 2008, aged just 54.

A Little Like Drowning, is based on the screenplay for his first film, which was completed but never released. The storyline spans 60 years, beginning in 1920s Italy through to 1980s England. It takes the audience on a journey through Nonna’s memories as she recalls her marriage to Alfredo in Valvori, Italy, their move to England, and her despair when her husband leaves her for another woman.

The play explores how this affects not just the protagonists, but also wider family, children and grandchildren, over many generations, and how people cope when changes rock them to the core.

A Little Like Drowning is directed by Jane Richardson and the cast includes regular Stables performers such as Diane Cheesewright and Bertie Hustwayte but also some talented new faces, including Peter Miller as Alfredo.

Jane said: “More than a simple family drama, it’s poignant, often funny, sometimes sad, and frequently bittersweet, with a cast ranging in age from 12 to 70 along with lots of beautiful music including arias by Puccini and Verdi arias, and popular hits of the day. Minghella was a wonderful director, much loved, and still very much missed – please come and enjoy this beautiful piece of his theatre work.”

Performances from Friday June 10 to Saturday June 18, at 7.30pm. There is a matinee on Sunday June 12 at 3pm and no performance Monday. Tickets are priced at £13 for adults, £10 for under-18s and groups, £8 for Stables members. Book online at stablestheatre.co.uk or call 01424 423221.