The book, first serialised in 1869 was the first ever thriller, 20 years before Charles Dickens The Mystery of Edwin Drood. It is a chilling story of murder and deceit set in the mid 19th century when an innocent young woman could be placed in an asylum on the flimsiest of reasons. The cast includes regulars Grace Carey-Stuart, Jessica Wilson, Aubrey Sinden and Judy Welsh, and new to the Icklesham stage Dave Carey-Stuart, Andy Godfrey and David Shortman. There will be a licensed bar as well as tea and coffee and tickets are £6 for adults and £4 for children. They are available from the Icklesham Village Store or by calling Nicky on 01424 812996.