CUCUMBER sandwiches rub shoulders with the world's most famous handbag in Congleton Players' latest offering.

Joyce Pace plays the indomitable Lady Bracknell in the company's production of the classic The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Mike Clowes and John Barber take the male leads as Algernon Moncrieff and John Worthing respectively in a show being staged at Congleton's Daneside Theatre.

Gwendoline Fairfax and Cecily Cardew, the two young ladies who become entangled with the gentlemen, are played by Gill Parker, the company's press officer, and Celia Jordan.

June Goodwin is cast as the tutor Miss Prism, and Chris Sheard plays the Reverend Canon Chasuble.

The butlers are played by Trevor Jones and John Hibbert, the latter also the director of the comedy, assisted by Pamela Mien.

"This is one of Oscar Wilde's most popular plays, and is full of his superbly subtle humour," said Gill Parker.

"It abounds with cucumber sandwiches, muffins, deception, passion and much, much more, alongside Wilde's wonderful epigrams."

The show runs from April 24 to 28 at the Daneside. Tickets from Congleton Information Centre or Margaret Hoult on 01260-273947.