ROSSENDALE Players are taking a comedic look at the topical issue of unemployment, asking the question Why Me?

The Stanley Price comedy sees successful civil engineer John Bailey, played by Michael Whewell, made redundant.

A spokesman for the New Millennium Theatre-based company said: “Stuck at home with constant visits from his mother-in-law, who lives in the granny flat, and his next-door neighbours – John tries everything to get back into employment while watching his wife develop a successful business of her own.

“As the weeks go by, unemployment changes John’s life in unexpected ways.”

Jim Rowe has joined Rossendale Players to direct this production, with his wife Dawn playing John’s wife Helen. Also in the cast are Maureen Jackson, Daniel Marshall, Paul Higginbottom and Dorrie Partington as John’s mother-in-law, son and next-door neighbours.

The spokesman added: “Why Me? is the perfect pick me up for a dark winter’s evening. And our opening night ticket includes a glass of wine and a slice of cheesecake for £10.”

Tickets, costing £7 on all other nights, are available for the comedy, at the New Millennium Theatre, Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, from Saturday until Saturday, February 15, 7.30pm, at Watts Newsagents, next to the theatre, or by calling Anne on 01706 228720.