A STORY full of misunderstandings and mishaps and characters jumping to the wrong conclusions is coming to Portland.

The Royal Manor Theatre in Fortuneswell is staging Family Planning, a riotous comedy from the pen of renowned playwright Frank Vickery.

When young Tracy discovers she is pregnant, she doesn’t know how to tell either her parents – solid, dependable Elsie and hypochondriac Idris – or her boyfriend, Bobby.

Gran, who is permanently ensconced in bed on stage, knows all and sees all, and helps to pave the way for her announcement.

Unfortunately, Idris – overhearing Tracy and Elsie – jumps to the wrong conclusion and believes he has but a short time to live.

Next door neighbour Maisie interrupts when Bobby is speaking to Idris and, after liberal measures of gin all round, proceeds to show her true affection for Idris.

Misunderstandings and mishaps abound in the second act and events are brought to a riotous conclusion when Maisie tries to apologise and Elsie catches her at it.

The production, which is directed by Ruth Bowen and produced by Timothy Bowen, runs from Tuesday, August 26 until Saturday, August 30, starting at 7.30pm with doors opening at 7pm.

Tickets are available locally from Cards and Celebrations in Easton and also from Danny’s Hardware in Fortuneswell from August 18 or online at rmtcportland.co.uk They can also be bought from the Box Office on 0844 8700887, where bookings are processed by Ticket Source who charge a small processing fee. Tickets can also be purchased on the door.

They cost £9 for adults, £8 for seniors and £7 for children.