Madhav Sharma, who starred in the film East is East, will tread the boards at the Theatre Royal in The Massacre, a play by Elizabeth Inchbald about atrocities during the French Revolution which was self-censored by its author.

Mr Sharma said: "When I read the play, I couldn't put it down because it tackles the question of how you treat people you don't agree with.

"It is interesting to see if it is still relevant today."

Set as the violence of the French revolution spills out from Paris into the provinces, a rural family must decide whether to fight, flee or throw themselves on the mercy of their aggressors.

Written in 1792, The Massacre was never performed, as Inchbald felt it was too radical, tackling themes such as freedom of expression, female equality and human rights.

"Inchbald thought it was too shocking to be performed on stage because the theatre-going public were far too genteel to take it," Mr Sharma said.

The well-known actor, who has also appeared in television series such as Casualty, Ashes to Ashes, Doctor Who and Coronation Street, said he was thrilled to be asked to perform at the restored playhouse, as he has lived in nearby Wickhambrook for the past 30 years.

This will be the second time Mr Sharma has worked at the Theatre Royal, having performed in Romeo and Juliet several years ago, before the theatre was renovated in 2005.

He said: "I love the theatre and the stage and the connection it gives between the audience and the actors. It is great to be in touch with the local community."

Tickets for The Massacre, which will run from June 23 to 27, are available from the Theatre Royal box office on 01284 769505 or www.theatreroyal.org priced from £13 to £22.


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