IT may seem a bit late for a play about Christmas but a new production of The Holly and the Ivy is more about memories than the festive season.

Wheathampstead Dramatic Society is putting on Wynyard Browne’s play, set in 1940s Norfolk, from next Thursday, February 17, to Saturday, February 19, at the Memorial Hall in Marford Road.

The play begins on Christmas Eve and slowly unfolds over 24 hours during which time secrets are revealed, skeletons are wrenched out of closets and lives are changed forever.

Martin Gregory is an elderly pastor who refuses to retire despite pleas from his sisters. Cared for by his loving elder daughter he bumbles on, completely unaware that she has fallen in love with their neighbour.

The pair long to marry and move away but she cannot bear to leave her father alone at the vicarage. Things come to a head when the family descend on the vicarage for the festive season.

Tickets for The Holly and the Ivy are available by calling 01582 629594 or online at www.wheathampsteaddramaticsociety.co.uk