The Herts Advertiser is offering two lucky readers a pair of tickets for Alan Ayckbourn’s hilarious farce, Tons of Money, which is being staged by Radlett Players amateur dramatic society at The Radlett Centre for four consecutive evening performances from April 29 to May 2.

The prizes also include interval drinks and nibbles supplied by Georgie’s, The Radlett Centre’s exclusive café bar.

Ayckbourn’s version of the first of the famous Aldwych farces was produced by the National Theatre, London and was first staged there in 1986, starring Michael Gambon and Simon Cadell. Set in 1922, it is the story of unsuccessful inventor Aubrey Allington, who inherits a small fortune and then fakes his own death in order to avoid paying his enormous debts.

He “resurrects” himself as cousin George, who is thought to have died abroad. In the best traditions of farce, complications arise in the form of George’s wife, another imposter and finally the real George himself!

Paula Welham, who is directing the production, said: “As soon as I read the script I could imagine all the characters in their disguises being mistaken for one another.

“I was also drawn to the glamour of the 1920s, and knew that I would enjoy picking out some striking and colourful costumes for the cast.

“It has been great fun directing this, my first play, for The Radlett Centre. I have a wonderful cast and crew who have been extremely patient and understanding when things don’t go to plan... but then it is a farce!

“I hope our audiences enjoy escaping everyday life and have a good laugh at the misfortunes of our hapless inventor, Aubrey Allington.”

To enter please answer the following simple question:

When was Alan Ayckbourn’s version of Tons of Money first staged?

A. 1922

B. 1986

C. 2014?

To enter, text HA FARCE followed by your answer (A, B or C), name, age, full postal address and email to 80058. Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate. The closing date is 12 noon on Friday, April 17.

The winners will be the first correct entries selected at random after the closing date. This prize is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged and no cash alternative will be offered. The editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Usual Archant competition rules apply, see page two for details.

If you are not one of the lucky winners you can obtain tickets by calling The Radlett Centre Box Office 01923 859291 or go online at www.radlettcentre.co.uk Ticket prices Wednesday and Thursday £12 (concession £10) and Friday and Saturday £14 (concession £12).

First formed in 1959 The Radlett Players put on two plays a year in spring and the autumn in the Radlett area. They complete a number of other in-house productions such as sketch evenings and one-act plays. The Players also meet monthly for play reading evenings and hold regular well attended social events throughout the year. For membership enquiries call Merle Scott on 07758 852505 or email merle.scott@ntlworld.com