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Fracked! or Please Don’t Use the F-Word is at Cambridge Arts Theatre from May 22-27 starring Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax and Dinner Ladies) and James Bolam, and the actor Michael Simkins, whose book What’s My Motivation is one of the funniest ever written.

Anne plays retired academic Elizabeth, a solid citizen until she discovers her beloved village of Fenstock is to be dug up for shale gas and takes up the fight against an energy giant.

Bolam is her husband who gets increasingly vexed about her new protesting persona. Meanwhile, Eizabeth and her team are up against slick PR men and a corrupt councillor who are trying to persuade the villagers that fracking will be good for them.

The villagers must thwart Deerland Energy’s plans to drill for big profits.

The firm is banking on the support of scientists working in university departments funded by the energy companies while at local level, Councillor Pilbeam, chair of the planning committee, seems to be open to lucrative offers.

This new comedy is by the Bafta-nominated Alistair Beaton whose work includes Spittin Image and directed by the actor Richard Wilson.

7.45pm with matinees Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets 01223 503333 or cambridgeartstheatre.com