The RC Sherriff trust will take over the Vera Fletcher Hall for two events to close their 20th anniversary celebrations.

For the first time in 60 years, The White Carnation, a post-war comedy drama, will be performed prior to a run of the show in London.

The show, written by Elmbridge residents RC Sherriff, premiered in 1953 and started Sir Ralph Richardson.

Set on Christmas Eve, the production tells the tale of a stockbroker who thinks he has it all until a ghostly chain of events makes him doubt everything he has ever known and gives him the chance to do things differently.

As part of the grand finale celebrations, An Evening with Mr Sherriff will take place one day later.

A cast of professional actors will present readings and performance of the works of the Elmbridge writer, including his novels The Hopkins Manuscript and A Fortnight in September.

Performances of Sherriff’s most famous play, Journey’s End, and his autobiography, No Leading Lady, will also be presented on stage.

  • The White Carnation; Vera Fletcher Hall, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton; November 22, 7.30pm; £12.50; for tickets call 0844 8848832 or email vfh.tickets@gmail.com.
  • An Evening with Mr Sherriff; Vera Fletcher Hall, Embercourt Road, Thames Ditton; November 23, 7.30pm; £8, £5 with proof of purchase of a ticket for The White Carnation; for tickets call 0844 8848832 or email vfh.tickets@gmail.com.