A wealth of new talent has joined the Company of Ten for their production of John Godber’s On The Piste which opens tomorrow (Friday).

Of the five cast members, three are completely new to the St Albans drama company while the other two have appeared only once before.

Naomi Jamboretz was first seen this May in the comedy Noises Off while Tom Pike appeared in The Shawl, half of the critically acclaimed Mamet double bill in June.

They will be joined in the comedy set in the ski resort of Chamonix by Krystal Hall, Shyam Banzropun and Frank Ramsey.

On The Piste focuses on two couples, all ski novices, who are thrown together when they have to share a ski instructor. At first they seem to have nothing in common, but gradually unusual friendships are formed, people behave badly, and chaos ensues.

Tom Pike, a professional actor, plays Tony the ski instructor and Naomi, who has come back to acting after living in New York for some time with her young family, takes the role of Ali.

Krystal Hall, who plays Bev, has recently moved to the area from the north west. She used to be a drama teacher but now works in marketing. She said: “It is great to be back in the theatre again. I have really missed it, and everyone here is very welcoming.”

Shyam Banzropun, who takes on the role of Bev’s new partner Dave, is an experienced actor as well. He explained: “I acted all the way through school and university. Now I work in the film industry. I auditioned for this part because I like John Godber.”

The odd man out is acupuncturist Frank Ramsay, who plays Chris, Bev’s long-term partner - he has never been on stage before. He said: “I often walked past the theatre and thought it looked like fun. One day I walked in and asked if I could join. Before I knew it, I had auditioned and been given a part. It is like a fairy tale.”

Off the Piste, which is being performed on the main stage of the Abbey Theatre, can be seen at 8pm tomorrow and Saturday and from next Tuesday, November 17, to Saturday, November 21. There is also a matinee at 2.30pm this Sunday, November 15.

To book tickets click here or call the box office on 01727 857861.