THE stage is set for the Riverside Drama Company's production of Oscar Wilde's "improbable comedy" Lord Arthur Savile's Crime. 

Victorian England provides the setting for Constance Cox's adaptation of Wilde's comic work which is being directed by Pat Tuffin assisted by Liz O'Hara. 

Paul Norris takes on the principal role of Lord Arthur Savile whose pending marriage to the beautiful Sybil Merton, played by Donna Chinn, is thrown into doubt by a palm reader's shocking prediction. 

Mr Podgers (Rob Osmond), acting on behalf of Sybil's mother in order to confirm Savile's unblemished character, makes a reading and gives his prediction that Lord Arthur is indeed a man of sound being, but then makes a startling prediction borne out of his examination of Savile's palm. 

"You will at some point in your life commit a murder," says Podger to Arthur who feels duty bound to get the dirty deed over and done with before the marriage and sets about choosing his victim. 

Providing help, and hindrance, to Arthur as he eyes up potential 'game', are Baines the butler and German anarchist Winkelkopf, parts played respectively by Martin Holtom and Brian Hooker. 

Completing the Beeston-based company's line-up of performers will be Pat Clarke (Lady Clementina), Emjay Saddler (Lady Julia), Bob Baron (The Dean of Paddington), Maggie Millington (Lady Windermere) and Joanna East (Nellie the maid). 

Lord Arthur Savile's Crime is being staged on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 10, 11 and 12, at the Duchess Theatre in West Gate, Long Eaton, with all performances commencing at 7.30pm.