For their centenary AAODS has chosen a show which is brand new to the company.

"With Ken Caswell as director again, they felt confident to tackle a musical farce and have found it to be both great fun and equally challenging," said chairman Jill Murray.

"A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from the 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville.

The result is a day in the life of Pseudolus – a slave who isn't averse to a little blackmail or telling a few lies as he struggles to earn his freedom by winning for his master the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan.

Throw in a few more sexy courtesans, a brow beaten husband and his domineering wife, a fearsome soldier, another loyal (but not too bright) slave, add in a few cases of mistaken identity, escape plots, lost children, eunuchs, a fake funeral complete with a live body – and you have a recipe for non-stop, rolling-in-the-aisles laughter.

The lead role of Pseudolus is being played by Rob Jenkins, who fits the comedic part perfectly.

The role of his young master Hero is played by Andrew Fowler, an AAODS stalwart who is has made several recent television drama appearances, with his stage father Senex portrayed by the evergreen favourite Pat Martin who has the aptly named Domina (Deborah Harrington) as his henpecking wife.

Other roles are the uptight slave Hysterium (Tony Reynolds), who, as the name suggests, is bordering on hysterics as he is reluctantly coerced by Pseudolus into his scheming.

The lascivious Lycus, keeper of the courtesans is played by Peter Winter to great effect; the warrior Miles Gloriosus is a departure from the 'softer' roles that Patrick Callaghan has previously played and shows off his versatility while the part of Erronius, a confused, bemused and befuddled old man seeking his long lost children is equally well portrayed by Barrie Jackson.

Love interest is supplied by Lucy Phillips as Philia, a face new to the society but one to certainly watch for in the future.

Prepare to be surprised by the four Proteans, (Barbara Bennett, Jacqui Daniell, Neil Hopkins and James Bryant) as they undertake various roles and tasks demanding high energy performances throughout the whole story.

There is also a bevy of beauties in the form of courtesans (Debbie Clarke, Chris Davies, Lesley Grubb, Jo Hamilton, Suzanne Meates, Rhiannon Munro, Alicea O'Connor, Helen Rees, Clare Sobik) and the whole cast is supported by the excellent chorus of citizens and soldiers.

"This show will undoubtedly have the audience in fits of laughter. AAODS reputation for performing high quality musical theatre will mean a great night out is assured," said Jill.

" In the past it has been noted that tickets are sold out for the end of the week. It is the same show on Monday as on Saturday, so to avoid disappointment at not getting a ticket it is advisable to book early," she added.

Tickets are available from the Borough Theatre box office on 01873 850805.