A LEADING Colchester comedy sketch troupe are returning to The Headgate Theatre next month for their latest extravaganza in aid of The Mayor of Colchester's charities. 

Colchester comedy troupe The Crunchy Frog Players' new show is billed as “their most controversial and outrageous so far and not for the easily offended” being titled ‘Politics, Religion, Food, and Death’.

The troupe includes Dave Hughes, Darren Gooding, Nicola Goodchild, Lisa Wakely, Anthony Roberts, and Tim Young while the musical director is Nigel Hildreth.

There will be classic comedy sketches and songs from the likes of Monty Python, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Smack The Pony, Bob Newhart, Tom Lehrer, Rowan Atkinson, Big Train and Flo and Joan, as well as original material.

Material - The new show will include original material as well as "classics" (Image: Submitted)

Tim Young, who is producing the show, said: “I wanted to help my friend, the mayor, Lesley Scott-Boutell with her excellent charities and put on another sketch show to raise money.

“We have included some sketches that we've wanted to include in our previous productions but didn't have the nerve."

He added: “This year we thought 'why not?' They are classics.

“Great comedy has always challenged the boundaries of good taste and tackled subjects often regarded as taboo.

“We haven't shied away from that and rehearsals have had us all in fits of laughter. This show will certainly be worth seeing. The audience will find themselves gasping in shock and helpless with mirth at the same time and it's all for great causes."

Ms Scott-Boutell said: 'I'm so grateful to The Crunchy Frog Players for putting the show together on behalf of my charities.

“It looks fabulous and, let's be honest, we all need a laugh at the moment."

Ms Lesley Scott-Boutell’s charities for this year include Colchester Pride, Gut UK which informs patients and supports research to fight digestive disease, the RSPCA’s Essex Mid and North Branch, the Royal Association for Deaf People and Support Our Paras.

Politics, Religion, Food & Death is at The Headgate Theatre on Saturday 21 September with performances at 3pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are available at www.headgatetheatre.co.uk.