MARION SAUVEBOIS speaks to four pals who had production based on them

THERE is no margin for error at the best of times as an actor - but even less when the part was inspired by and written especially for you.

But it comes with the territory, the four-strong female cast behind TS Theatre's upcoming play Four Sunsets, assure me.

After all, you don't tread the boards in virtually every one of the troupe's shows without becoming part of the furniture, and eventually warranting your own stage alter-ego - of the same name - courtesy of eagled-eyed director and playwright Peter Hynds.

"Many character traits are our own and some lines are also straight from the horse's mouth," says Ella Thomas, 26, her co-stars Laura James, Becci Smith and Jodie Potter nodding in agreement.

"It's nice to play friends and actually it's helped with physical boundaries. You don't have problems grabbing each other or getting close. We've known each other for seven years - though actually it feels like longer," she quips, to bursts of laughter from the group.

"It was drawn from us and there are similarities but differences as well," adds Jodie.

"It would not be interesting for us or the audience if it wasn't a challenge to play," chips in Laura.

Portraying a heightened version of themselves - with a few curve balls thrown in for good measure - will no doubt prove daunting. But navigating a host of close-to the-bone performances, exploding conventions and bringing raw uncompromising scenes to local audiences for years has more than readied them for the task ahead.

"We've been in more compromising position than this," chuckles Laura, 32, who works as marketing manager for the Wyvern Theatre and Arts Centre. "I played Helen of Troy once and Ella had to grab me by my hair and dunk my head in a bucket."

Set amid the white sands of Bali, Four Sunsets follows four friends who seek out paradise for the holiday of a lifetime. Cue umbrella-topped cocktails, shenanigans and carefree banter about the male anatomy. As the prospect of returning to reality starts to dawn, Ella reveals a secret which tips their well-ordered world upside down and tests their strength and loyalty beyond measure.

Keen not to give away the crux of the plot, they all insist this is no bog-standard two-dimensional comedy. Ella's announcement and its harrowing repercussion on their friendship promises to resonate with the public.

"It's definitely a comedy but there are deeply sad moments as well," explains 30-year-old Jodie. "When I first read it I had tears rolling down my face. It will feel very close to home for a many people."

Tackling an original script is always a bold move, one which many small companies shy away from in favour of tried-and-tested classics. But the cast are confident Four Sunsets will find its audience.

"It's not an easy sell when it's brand new," admits Laura. "But taking ownership of a play that was written for the company and that nobody else has done before is really exciting."

Four Sunsets appears at the Arts Centre on Saturday, September 17 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £11.50. To book go to swindontheatres.co.uk or call 01793 524481.