A GRIPPING psychological murder mystery will be coming to Chester Little Theatre in October.

Chester company Against The Grain will return to the city centre venue with Agnes of God, by American playwright John Pielmeier. The play will be directed by Mark Newman and Stuart Evans.

Written in 1979 and based on a true story, Agnes of God tell the story of a novice nun, Agnes, who gives birth in the solitude of her convent cell. She claims to have no recollection of the conception or birth and the new-born is found dead in the waste paper basket by her bed.

It is the duty of court appointed psychiatrist, Dr Martha Livingstone to determine the nun's fitness to stand trial and find answers; who is the father? Who knew about the pregnancy? And, most importantly, who murdered the infant?

Clashes between Dr Livingstone and Mother Miriam Ruth, Mother Superior of the Convent ensue as the story unfolds, with all three women engaged in a battle of wills to find the truth. As secrets are uncovered, the truth threatens to alter all their lives forever.

Chester and District Standard: Mark Newman and Stuart Evans - Co-directors of Against The Grain's production of 'Agnes of God' at Chester Little Theatre.Mark Newman and Stuart Evans - Co-directors of Against The Grain's production of 'Agnes of God' at Chester Little Theatre. (Image: Paul Crofts)

A film version of the play produced in 1985 starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly was nominated for three Acadamy Awards with Meg Tilly winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress.

Against The Grain's cast features Marian Newman (Mr Dumpling, Deathtrap, The Birthday Party) as Mother Miriam Ruth, Laura Smith (The Weir) as Agnes and Sally Anglesea (Deathtrap) as Dr Martha Livingstone.

Co-director Mark Newman said: "We've been really happy to be back in the rehearsal room again. It's directing duties for Stuart and I this time, so we'll be giving the audience a break from seeing us on stage again!

"Part whodunnit, part metaphysical discourse on science and religion, Agnes of God is a complex, moving and brilliant play, and we're lucky to have three hugely talented and strong actresses to bring it to life.

"We're looking forward to being able to offer our audience something slightly different to previous productions in both style and content. This one will stay in the mind for quite some time after the final curtain. We know they won't be disappointed."

Stuart Evans said: "This piece could easily be staged with an elaborate set with a doctors office and convent cell but, we decided from the outset to strip the production right back which, we feel, will allow the audience to be completely drawn in by the characters, their story and journey."

The production will take to the stage at Chester Little Theatre from Thursday, October 19, at 7.30pm until Saturday, October 21 at 7.30pm. A matinee performance will take place on Saturday, October 21 at 2.30pm.