Alton Fringe Theatre is preparing to present Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls, its first full production in more than two years, with three performances in the Wessex Arts Centre at Alton College on Thursday, July 28, Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30.

The enforced lay-off saw the group take to Zoom with a series of readings and in-house performances which kept interest and enthusiasm going during difficult times.

Recently it re-emerged with two performances of ZigZag, a play for voices by Simon Applegarth.

Now the company is back in full flow with an exciting production of Top Girls.

Set in the early years of Thatcherism, Churchill’s innovative play shifts the time frame from an imagined meeting between six historical women to the 1980s world of enterprise and the Top Girls employment agency.

Weaving a tale of womanhood throughout history, the drama encompasses gritty humour, strained relationships and an emotionally draining climax.

Expect adult themes and strong language in this challenging and entertaining production.

Director Cath Gerlach said: “I was drawn to the play because of its unusual convention as a production – a small tight-knit cast, most playing two roles, as well as the themes Churchill explores.

“I am fascinated by the way in which the experiences of women are told in this play.

“At its core, we witness the strained relationship between sisters Marlene and Joyce.

“A tough family history, their paths divide when one leaves her daughter to be brought up by her sibling.

“Churchill doesn’t spare the audience. We are left in no doubt of the devastating impact upon the three of them.”

Tickets are available on Ticketsource at www.ticketsource.co.uk/alton-fringe-theatre