WINCHESTER'S Chesil Theatre are hoping to make a splash with their next production - dark-tinged comedy The Memory of Water.

Written by Shelagh Stephenson, the play is set in a snowbound English coastal village, with three sisters returning to their childhood home on the eve of their mother's funeral.

As they revert to sibling rivalry, long-kept tensions emerge, as well as secrets of a more tragic nature.

Was their mother caring and devoted, or a controlling busybody?

Director Flavia Bateson said: "This highly acclaimed West End hit was justifiably recognised with a Laurence Olivier Award in 2000.

"Stephenson expertly reveals the patterns and strains of family relationships with wit, poignancy and at times almost farcical hilarity."

The Memory of Water runs from February 2 to 7. Tickets cost £8.50 and are available from the Chesil box office on 01962 877977.