THE popular Nonentities Society are set to return to the Rose Theatre stage this month with their latest production, the Lion in Winter.

The production runs at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre between Monday, November 27, and Saturday, December 2, at 7.30pm.

The Lion in Winter is set in Chinon Castle in 1183 and takes place over the Christmas period. Written in 1966 by James Goldman, the play was made into the Academy Award-winning film starring Peter O'Toole and Katharine Hepburn.

The Lion in Winter gives an insight into the private lives of Britain's bloodiest dynasty - the Plantagenets who, driven by jealousy and ambition, murdered, betrayed and tyrannised to seize control of England.

Henry II has released his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, from prison for the Christmas holidays. Their surviving three sons - Princes Richard, Geoffrey and John - are battling to be the next in line for the throne and care not how they get their hands on that elusive crown.

Along with their calculating mother, they manipulate and scheme in an attempt to overthrow each other and all while the sprouts are bubbling away in the background.

A spokesman for the Nonentities Society said: "It just goes to show that dysfunctional families existed long before television remote controls and the Christmas spirit was as elusive in 1183, as it is today.

"Is there nothing a glass of sherry and a mince pie can't sort out?"

Tickets are priced between £10 and £13 - dependant on the date.

To buy tickets for the Lion in Winter, call the Rose Theatre box office on 01562 743745 or visit rosetheatre.co.uk.