Sidmouth Summer Play Festival will kick off with Fatal Encounter this weekend, which is the first of 12 productions to come.

The tense thriller by Francis Durbridge, will be showing until Wednesday (June 27) at The Manor Pavilion Theatre, in Manor Road.

The play tells the tale of Howard, a well-known book publisher, and his concern for his wife Joanna.

Since returning from the country, she has become unusually distressed, nervous and mysterious.

Howard’s suspicions that all is not well are further increased when Joanna is attacked in the street but the handbag that was stolen turns up on their front door step.

In true Durbridge style, this is just the start of a whole evening of unexpected twists and turns which will keep you guessing until the very last moment.

Director, Patric Kearns, is really pleased with how preparations are going.

He said: “Rehearsals for Fatal Encounter have been a lot of fun and the cast have worked extremely hard.

“It’s going to be a thrilling opening to the season in Sidmouth.

“Your ticket entitles you to a whole seat, however, you’ll only need the edge of it.”

Fatal Encounter is the first of 12 plays to be presented at the theatre this summer.

Season producer, Paul Taylor Mills, is now in his sixth year of producing the festival and is really looking forward to the start of the season.

Paul said: “Francis Durbridge is a favourite playwright of the Sidmouth audience.

“They love a good thriller and Durbridge is considered one of the masters of this genre.

“It will be an exciting evening of theatre and I am confident that it is a great choice for the opening play of the season.

“The team is really looking forward to getting started and presenting a wonderful summer of theatre.”

Performances start at 8pm and tickets are between £16 and £17 for adults and £8 for under 16s.

Call the theatre’s box office on 01395 514 413 or visit www.manorpavilion.com for more information or to buy your ticket.