A CHARMING rogue, a fierce nurse – together they are at the heart of the next production by Wheathampstead Dramatic Society. The company is putting on One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest at the Memorial Hall in Marford Road from next Thursday, October, 15, to

A CHARMING rogue, a fierce nurse - together they are at the heart of the next production by Wheathampstead Dramatic Society.

The company is putting on One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at the Memorial Hall in Marford Road from next Thursday, October, 15, to Saturday, October 17.

The play, the film version of which consolidated the rising stardom of Jack Nicholson, centres on Randle McMurphy, a charming rogue who contrives to serve a short sentence in a mental institution rather than in a prison.

But he soon learns it was a mistake as he clashes with the head nurse, a fierce and orderly woman.

McMurphy takes over the dayroom and accomplishes what the medical profession has been unable to do for 12 years - he makes a presumed deaf and dumb Indian inmate talk.

He leads others out of introversion, stages a revolt so they can see the World Series on television and arranges a midnight party with booze and dancing girls.

But he might have bitten off more than he can chew as he fights the harsh rules and cruel treatment meted out under Nurse Rachet's regime.

The play is directed by Joe Maher and the cast includes a debut for teenager Ryan Goodland, a drama scholar at Sir John Lawes in Harpenden, as Billy Bibbet.

Performances begin at 8pm and tickets at �8 are available from Manor Pharmacy in Wheathampstead and Harpenden, Felicitations in Harpenden or telephone 01582 763510.