A PLAY for anyone who has ever sung Christmas Is Coming with more than a slight sense of dread is being staged by Ruislip Dramatic Society.

Half-a-dozen relatives and friends are celebrating with Neville and Belinda, but this is by no means an average family gathering.

There’s an uncle who keeps a gun with him at all times, an alcoholic sister-in-law and her ineffectual husband, and a highly attractive mysterious visitor.

Belinda does her best to keep everyone happy, with little help from husband Neville, but has to cope with Uncle Bernard and his dreadful puppet show, Auntie Phyllis, the martyr in the kitchen, and Uncle Harvey endlessly watching TV.

This is comedy at its best from Britain’s favourite playwright Alan Ayckbourn, in what can only be described as an explosive festive treat!

Season’s Greetings is now considered an early Ayckbourn classic. Originally written in 1980, the play is now recognised as one of his finest works.

The hazards of a family Christmas are clear for all to see as a comical mix of characters attempt to live in close proximity and remain full of yuletide cheer, in spite of all that happens around them.

November 26-29, 7.45pm, SEASON’S GREETINGS by Alan Ayckbourn, at the Compass Theatre, Glebe Avenue, Ickenham. Tickets: £11 or £10 concessions (available on Weds/Thurs only) from RDS on 07856 246517 or from the Compass on 01895 673200.