Hamble Players are promising authenticity with their latest production.

Jeffrey Archer's courtroom drama Beyond Reasonable Doubt is set in the Old Bailey and the local group went to extraordinary lengths to capture the atmosphere of London's most famous court.

Director Lyn Bentley, who has been with the Hamble Players for 17 years, explains: "To create authenticity, myself, the cast and Chris Pullen, responsible for props (who also plays the stenographer) have worked as a team to gather technical information. I have also made several phone calls and a trip to the Old Bailey where myself and Geoff Bentley (set design) sat in the public gallery and made notes.

"The Old Bailey staff were very helpful and interested in the play."

The play focuses on Sir David Metcalfe, played by award-winning actor Wayne Ings.

A distinguished QC, Sir David is conducting the most important defence of his career - his own. Accused of the murder of his terminally ill wife, Sir David finds himself locked in legal combat with his old rival, Anthony Blair-Booth QC, prosecuting counsel.

Lyn Bentley says this is so much more than just a courtroom drama.

"With Act 1 ending just as the jury are about to announce their verdict, Act 2 takes us to back in time to the fateful night of Lady Metcalfe's death. This is a compelling love story too and the combination of personal and professional involvement between the characters in the courtroom helps to create the tension and pace.

"This play has everything a theatregoer could want. High tension from the courtroom in Act 1 with Act 2 offering much humour but culminating in some sensitive and moving final scenes.

"Some of our own members have been moved to tears when watching in rehearsal.

"The play also has the added interest of containing extracts from the works of the poet Dylan Thomas."

Hamble-le-Rice Memorial Hall. Tuesday to Saturday October 9. Performances: 8pm. Tickets: £6.50. Box office: 01489 574915.