GETTING to know somebody by letter can be a misleading affair, as this comedy by John Dole proves.

David Abbott's pen pal Mario arrives from Italy to spend some time with his English friend, but Mario is in fact a shapely brunette called Maria.

David's wife Kate returns home unexpectedly to find her husband practising more than a little Italian lingo with his pen pal. In the tradition of the classic Whitehall farce, this comedy promises confusion, complications and even an appearance by the Mafia.

The cast features Colin Keir as David, Kate Antill as his wife Kate and the pen pal is played by Deborah Crowton.

The show is directed by Joy Bacon, who has been a member of the Players for nearly 20 years.

11th - 15th November, Malt Hall Theatre, Lymington. Performance: 7.45pm. Tickets: from £4.50. Box office: 01590 672337.