KEIGHLEY Playhouse is turning to the 'queen of crime' for its latest production.

Members are performing Agatha Christie's courtroom drama, Witness for the Prosecution.

The play was originally due to be presented in March 2020.

But the scheduled opening night coincided with the introduction of the first national lockdown following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Playhouse chair, Mike Boothroyd, says: "We have managed to assemble the vast majority of the original cast and production team, and look forward to belatedly bringing this classic courtroom drama to the public.

"Also, we are grateful to the theatregoing public of Keighley for its ever-improving support, as audience levels continue to slowly increase to pre-pandemic levels."

Witness for the Prosecution, directed by Kevin Moore, runs at the Devonshire Street theatre from Monday, March 13, to Saturday, March 18.

A playhouse spokesperson says: "Witness for the Prosecution is gripping and full of twists and turns, including a totally unforeseen ending that will convince the audience – with open mouths – that they never saw it coming!

"Famous barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts agrees to defend Leonard Vole, who is accused of murdering a wealthy middle-aged widow in her home. Robarts takes pride in his reputation as 'champion of the lost causes' and he uncovers a trio of motives – love, money and revenge.

"From under a veil of deception, he sets out to prove his client’s innocence. There is plenty of circumstantial evidence that exists against Vole. He had visited the victim just before she was killed and the only alibi he can provide is based on his wife’s testimony.

"Standing in the dock, accused of murder, his only hope is for acquittal. But his airtight alibi shatters when his wife not only reveals some shocking secrets of her own, but also agrees to appear as a witness for the prosecution. Is Vole a cold-blooded killer? Were his intentions honourable or was he chasing the money? Can Leonard Vole escape the hangman's noose?"

Over her lifetime, Agatha Christie wrote 66 crime novels and story collections, 14 plays and six novels.

Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language, and as many in translation. She remains the most translated individual author, with her work being published in at least 103 different languages.

Ticket reservations for Witness for the Prosecution can be made by calling the Keighley Playhouse box office on 07599 890769.