An old flame ignites a cocktail of comedy and rivalry among two women friends in a drama showcasing young talent at Sheringham.

The play, Fallen Angels, is from the pen of socialite wit Noel Coward in the 1920s – a heady mix of fun and jealousies as the women, both now married, prepare to meet the Frenchman who was once their lover.

The cast are all young people aiming to earn their wings in theatrical careers, helped by appearing on the Little Theatre stage in a 'youth rep' style production.

Theatre director DebbieThompson said: 'It will feature our own young people on a gap year ahead of going to drama school – and give them experience of how professional theatre works.

'We did it six years ago with Private Ear and it worked really well – and we hope it will also be an inspiration for other young people.

'The Little Theatre aims to give young people opportunities to help them get a leg up into a profession that is hard to get into.'

The drama focuses on Julia and Jane, whose husbands have gone off on a golfing trip. The women have each received a postcard from former lover Maurice Duclos. Their friendship turns to quarrelling as they down too much champagne and too many cocktails awaiting his arrival. And the action hots up as each woman believes the other has gone off with Maurice.

The show caused some controversy in the 1920s when censors raised concerns about the women's loose morals, but it was given the go ahead because the plot was seen to be unrealistic farce.

The cast will see the two main roles of Jane Banbury and Julia Sterroll played by Laura Finnemore from West Runton and Katie Thompson from Knapton.

They will be joined by Ryan Starling, Zachary Burbridge, Rachel Sutton and Stephen Charrett.

It will be directed by Nick Earnshaw, who is also devising and directing the venue's panto and who did rep in his acting career, so he knows the value of it for young actors.

'It is great training ground and what makes Sheringham Little Theatre unique is how it gives young actors the experience of working with professional actors and directors,' he added.

Fallen Angels runs from November 3-5 at Sheringham Little Theatre at 7.30pm (2.30 on November 5). For more information and tickets call the box office on 01263 822347 or visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com