A special adaptation of Ken Keasey's novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest is set to mark the 50th anniversary of its publication.

The plot tells the tale of Randle Patrick McMurphy, who is transferred to a mental institution for evaluation after being jailed for the statutory rape of a 15-year-old-girl.

Randle shows no signs of mental illness on the outside and hopes to serve the rest of his sentence in a relaxed hospital environment.

But his compassion for fellow patients and unwillingness to comply makes him a target for tyrannical nurse Mildred Ratched.

A power struggle between Randle and the nurse punctuates the story, resulting in life-changing consequences for all of the patients.

Keasey penned the novel after spending time working the graveyard shift as an orderly at a mental health facility in Menlo Park, California.

It was first adapted into a play in 1963, with a cast of 18 performing in this production.

A 1975 film version of the novel starred Jack Nicholson as Randle and won five major Oscars, marking Nicholson out as Hollywood royalty.

Paul Taylor-Mills directs this performance, with credits Little Shop of Horrors, A Clockwork Orange and My Big Gay Italian Wedding already under his belt.

The Lost Theatre, Wandsworth Road, now until March 31, Tickets £15, concessions £12, call 0844 847 1680, visit www.ticketweb.co.uk