THE sauciest show of summer is being staged at the Theatre Royal.

Neil Simon’s Broadway smash hit Last of the Red Hot Lovers, featuring soap stars Debra Stephenson and Steven Pinder, is being staged there from June 11 - 14.

Regal Entertainments have added a unique twist to this irresistible romp. Celebrity impressionist, Coronation Street and Bad Girls favourite Debra Stephenson will star in this ambitious production in three roles, playing Elaine, Bobbi and Jeanette alongside Steven Pinder (of Brookside and Crossroads) who takes on the role of Barney Cashman.

Last of the Red Hot Lovers chronicles the misadventures of Barney Cashman who is in the throes of a mid-life crisis, and his sudden desire for passion and adventure has embarrassing, but hilarious consequences. When he makes the decision to join the sexual revolution, the married seafood restaurateur attempts to seduce Elaine, Bobbi and Jeannette - three very different but equally eccentric women - in the romantic setting of his mother’s apartment.

Each attempt proves to be as funny, yet as sad as the last, but Barney’s attempts to win over the women are sure to leave the audiences wanting more.

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager said: “This is one of my favourite plays, absolutely hilarious. Steven is a superb actor and Debra is one of the most talented and versatile actresses around.”

Debra Stephenson is perhaps best known as the psychotic Shell Dockley in the ITV’s smash hit Bad Girls and enjoyed a two year stint as Frankie Baldwin in ITV’s Coronation Street.

She has made a name as a singer and is also one of the UK’s leading impressionists providing voices on Spitting Image and fronting The Impressions Show alongside Jon Culshaw.

Steven Pinder became a household name through his appearance in Crossroads and his long term stint in the television soap opera Brookside, where he played Max Farnham from 1990 to its conclusion in 2003. On stage Steven starred in the musical adaptation of the dance phenomenon Footloose recently made a special guest appearance in the BBC soap Doctors.

Director Sylvie Gatrill, herself an acclaimed actress, said: “This will be something special - the likes of which we’ve never done before at the Theatre Royal - I’ve not been this excited in a long time!”

It begins at 7.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 11-14 with an extra 2pm show on Saturday. Adult admission is £15, concessions available.

Book in person at the Theatre Royal Box Office Corporation Street, (Mon – Sat, 10am – 5pm) or call 01744 756 000 or log on to: www.sthelenstheatreroyal.com