A FAST and furious comedy that attacks conventional notions of gender and labelling comes to a St Albans theatre in the first week of February.

Peppermint Muse, a touring theatre company, is putting on Death and Dancing written by Claire Dowie which is based on some of her original stand-up comedy material and set against the backdrop of eighties sexual politics.

It is being performed from Wednesday, February 2, until Saturday, February 5, at OVO Pudding Lane in Chequer Street.

The play, directed by John Stenhouse, focuses on Max (male) and Max (female) who meet on the dance floor at university. He fancies her even though he is gay and she is a lesbian.

Whilst telling the story of their friendship, the two characters make observations on cliched gender behaviour. John said: “The play is funny, sometimes shocking and very moving as these two characters challenge themselves and society’s categorisation and control.

“It has also brought with it an interesting logistical challenge as the male actor has to try on dresses – finding suitable frilly numbers that will fit on a man’s shoulders and chest is not that easy!”

Death and Dancing contains adult language and themes and it can be seen at 8pm each night. Tickets are �12.50 and �7.50, available online at at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo or via the box office on 07807 521436.