A comedy about a chaotic and dysfunctional family is the latest show to take to the stage at Norwich's Madddermarket Theatre.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Players at the Maddermarket Theatre presents THE LAST OF THE HAUSSMANS.The Norwich Players at the Maddermarket Theatre presents THE LAST OF THE HAUSSMANS. (Image: submitted)

The Norwich Players is presenting the show The Last of the Haussmans at the city venue from Thursday.

Eastern Daily Press: The Norwich Players at the Maddermarket Theatre presents THE LAST OF THE HAUSSMANS.The Norwich Players at the Maddermarket Theatre presents THE LAST OF THE HAUSSMANS. (Image: submitted)

The play by Stephen Beresford first premiered at the National Theatre in 2012 starring Julie Walters, and the new Maddermarket production is being directed by Pip Sessions.

It will be the first play under the theatre's new leadership of creative directors Stash Kirkbride and Peter Beck, known for running Norwich's Hostry Festival.

The show looks at the legacy of the revolutionary generation of the 1960s and the fate of its children.

It tells the story of how, over the course of the summer and with her grand Art Deco house on the south coast crumbling around her, ageing hippie Judy Haussman clings to an idealistic, indulgent and anarchic existence.

After a minor operation, her troubled son and daughter arrive to discuss the future and vent long-held resentments and failings.

As well being as the show being about family, there are also family links in the cast with director Pip Sessions directing her mum Mel Sessions, who is playing the role of the high society drop out and matriarch Judy Haussman.

Mel said: 'Pip has worked all of us very hard in rehearsals. There has been no special treatment for family members! It's been a lot of fun working alongside her.'

She added: 'She's a demanding director, but then she's a demanding daughter, so I'm used to that. She's worked us hard but it has been great fun.'

• The Last of the Haussmans is at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich from Thursday, May 22 to Saturday, May 31 at 7.30pm (no performance on Sunday, May 25). There is also a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday, May 31.

Tickets £8-£12. For more information and to book call the box office on 01603 620917 or visit www.maddermarket.co.uk