FRESH from a glitzy opening in London s West End last week, Tennessee Williams classic A Streetcar Named Desire will get the Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS) treatment in October.

FRESH from a glitzy opening in London's West End last week, Tennessee Williams classic A Streetcar Named Desire will get the Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS) treatment in October.

The ground-breaking play, which will open at the Manor Pavillion Theatre on October 14, will be SADS first production of Tennessee Williams' work and will utilise a hugely experienced range of on and off-stage talent.

Regular SADS leading man David Harrison will direct the New Oleans based story, the first time he has done so for the group.

"This is a marvellous play," said David, who has been in London this week to see the play. He added: "I Didn't actually know it would be in the West End when I decided to do it."

"We can't just have musicals and comedies.Although this may come as a bit of a shock to Sidmouth it seems there are many real theatre-goers in the town. This is a wonderful play, an important modern classic they will love."

David said SADS efforts are in the early stages of production but the town will be in for a treat when October comes around thanks to his talented cast.

Avril Best will take on the role of Blanche Dubois, while Marc Colson and Tanya Rees will play Stanley and Stella Kowalski respectively.

Avril said: "Blanche is on the edge of despair and disaster. Undertaking the role is simply scary and exhilarating. It's a huge part."

Set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the restless years following World War Two, A Streetcar Named Desire tells the story of Blanche Dubois, a fragile and neurotic woman, who, after being exiled from her hometown and moves in with her sister, only to be tormented by her brutish brother-in-law while her reality crumbles around her.