CHESIL Theatre in Winchester opens its autumn season with a new director at the helm.

Ken Spencer from Southampton who has previously acted, directed and designed sets for Maskers Theatre Company, is overseeing the group's latest production, The Heiress.

Based on the novel Washington Square by Henry James, this compelling tale is a sensitive portrait of a woman finding her inner strength as she is forced to choose between her father's fortune and the man she loves.

The story concerns Austin Sloper, a wealthy widowed doctor who is unable to hide his disdain for his shrinking violet of a daughter, Catherine. When the charming but penniless Morris Townsend enters her life, Sloper's lack of faith in his daughter's ability to woo convinces him that Morris's intentions can only be mercenary.

Understandably, Catherine doesn't take kindly to her stern father's restrictions and, aided by her romantically inclined dowager aunt, Mrs Penniman, continues her relationship.

"When a young man comes calling, the audience is asked if his intentions are honourable or is he just a predatory suitor? This is a classic play from a classic novel - a great Victorian romance," says Ken.

As well as making his directing debut for Chesil, Ken has also designed the set for the play.

"There is not a lot of room at Chesil so creating the feel of a big Victorian house has been quite a challenge but having designed sets for TV before, I'm used to operating in small areas."

Chesil Theatre, Winchester, October 14-19. Tickets: £7 (reductions Monday). Box office: 01962 877977.