A PLAY which won rave reviews on Broadway and in the West End is set to return to the county in which it is set this weekend, when the Gatecrash Theatre performs Jerusalem at Swindon Dance.

The Swindon-based theatre company was inspired to put on Jez Butterworth’s hit show, which was based on the story of Pewsey retired builder Michael Laye, because of its connection with the county.

It also gave scope for performances from the company’s diverse age range of actors.

Laura Barnes, Gatecrash Theatre director, said: “It’s a Wiltshire story and I’m Wiltshire-born and bred, as are much of the cast and the play itself is so characteristic of this part of the world.

“It is a comedy and some of the jokes could be lost on an American audience which would fully be appreciated here.

“Even the characters are typical Wiltshire characters.

“The second reason is because we have quite a range of actors of different ages, from 19 to mid-fifties, which the play lends to, and it really is a good piece to cast right across that age range.”

The play is set around Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron, who is based on Michael, and portrays hhim as a nomadic character who lived on the outskirts of a Wiltshire town and was well-known as the go-to character for partying, drink and drugs.

The play tells the story of Johnny's own fight with the council on fair day, when officials hand him an eviction notice.

Jerusalem will be on show at Swindon Dance from 7.30pm on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £9 for concessions, and are available from Swindon Dance.

To find out more about Gatecrash Theatre email: gatecrashtheatre@ gmail.com, call: 07824 702851 or visit: gatecrashtheatre.co.uk