There will be some ghostly goings-on in Shelley next week as the Pierrot Players perform an exorcism.

Or, more correctly, perform The Exorcism, a ghost story written and directed for television by Don Taylor as part of the 1972 BBC Dead of Night series.

“It’s quite removed from what we usually do,” says the Players’ publicity officer Melanie Nowicki. “We have done a lot of light-hearted plays – our last one was a comedy – and this is much darker.

“We’re hoping the title doesn’t put people off because it’s not to be confused with the 1973 film The Exorcist, which was very disturbing. This is more of a ghost story with a message at the end that is social comment. The play highlights the gap between rich and poor.”

The Exorcism was the first short film in the Dead of Night series and tells the tale of two posh, pampered couples who decide to spend the weekend at an old country house.

But their enjoyment of the fine wine and rich food at the dining table turns sour when the lights go out and supernatural stirrings begin.

Try as they might to ignore what is happening the couples eventually have to confront their hypocrisy when the ghostly former occupant of the house speaks to them of her life of poverty and deprivation.

The play features just two scenes and four actors – with experienced Pierrot members John Varlow, Tom Jackson, Carol Huff and Sharon West taking the leading roles.

However, it has a large backstage crew, including director Gareth Dickinson, who has performed widely on both the amateur and professional stage. This is his second production for the Players as director but he has taken roles in four plays for the company. He studied singing and vocal techniques at the Royal Northern College of Music and has directed a number of Gilbert & Sullivan operettas as well as acting with Huddersfield Thespians.

The Exorcist, he says, has a message that is still relevant today.

Pierrot Players, formed in 1982, draws many of its members from the South Huddersfield area and is always looking for new talent.

“Our next show will be in October,” says Melanie, “so if anyone is interested they should give us a call. We haven’t chosen the play yet.” (Contact Lee Morgan on 01484 606545).

However, if you’d like to sample what the Players do then book a seat for The Exorcism at Shelley Village Hall from April 15 to 18.

Tickets are £5 from McColls in Shelley, Shepley Newsagents or on the door. Performances start at 7.30pm.