BROADWAY’S longest-running comedy thriller is coming to Dorset this month.

Deathtrap is being brought to Wimborne’s Tivoli Theatre by the London Repertory Players – who would normally be putting on a whole season of plays locally.

The players have previously staged summer runs of thrillers and comedies at Boscombe’s Shelley Theatre.

Deathtrap was due to be part of a season of four shows there, but the Shelley Theatre is still closed because of the pandemic.

The Tivoli stepped in and invited the players to put on a production there.

Deathtrap was written by Ira Levin, author of Rosemary’s Baby. The story centres on a once-successful playwright, Sidney Bruhl, who has had a series of flops and is stuck for ideas.

When a student visits him, bearing a brilliant play of his own, Sidney hatches a plot to get his protege out of the way and steal the credit for the surefire hit.

Producer-director Vernon Thompson said: “It’s a great piece. It was filmed with Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine but it works better on stage.”

The show will run from Wednesday, July 28, to Friday, July 30, at 7.30pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Thursday.

Audiences are being warned that because of Covid restrictions, they must book in advance rather than turning up on the day.

Social distancing will be in place to ensure audiences are safe.

Mr Thompson said there was great enthusiasm for the return of live theatre.

“I think there’s a huge desire both for audience and obviously from the theatres,” he said.

“Some of my company haven’t worked in five months or so. It’s very difficult for people.”

He added: “I’m sorry we’re not at the Shelley. I went past it and felt very sad we’re not there, but hopefully we will be in the future and we’re very grateful to the theatre for taking us.”

Details are at tivoliwimborne.co.uk