The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett will be causing mirth and mayhem at Birmingham's The Crescent Theatre until Saturday.

In 1974, playwright Alan Bennett encountered Mary Shepherd, an elderly eccentric living in a van in the street near his home in Camden Town.

He eventually allowed her to park her van in his garden, the idea being that she would stay three months but was still there fifteen years later.

After Friday's evening performance there will be an After Dark discussion about the production which is free to ticket holders.

Gwillan Milton, from The Crescent, said: "This was hugely successful play and film and we are pleased to present it as the opener to our new season."

The Lady in the Van is at The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, from September 10 until Saturday, September 17 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

For more information phone 0121 643 5858 or visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk.