WHAT is thought to be the first play performed in front of a live audience on the Isle of Wight since lockdown is in rehearsal at Trinity Theatre, Cowes.

Just 50 tickets per show are now on sale for the Covid-19 secure performances of Recipe for Murder next month, which will take place at 7.30pm on 26, 27 and 28 November.

The short run marks a welcome return to the stage for the play’s Director and Trinity Theatre President Dinah Bowman.

She said: “It’s such an inner buzz, it feels like doing what I'm meant to be doing, and it’s bringing the theatre to life again.

“We have had a lot of interest in the play and it is so wonderful that people are so keen for us to be back.

"We have this beautiful building, it is ours and we should be using it for the benefit of the community."

Recipe for Murder, a thriller by JD Robins, centres on David Lawson, a research scientist who is not a well man.

His sister, Beatie, is worried about him and a visitor, Kit Kelly, who has moved into the neighbourhood is also concerned.

David's wife Claire is troubled by the situation, but feels Beatie is taking things too far as suspicions deepen on who may be to blame and motives lie within.

It is hoped the community will once again get behind and support their local theatre, which has been home to Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society since 1897.

Covid-19 secure measures include limiting audience numbers, ensuring seating is sufficiently spaced, providing hand sanitiser and making sure face coverings are worn throughout the performance.

Tickets cost £7 and are on sale now by visiting www.caods.org.uk or phoning the box office on 295229.