Rugby Theatre will be paid a visit from the law when its week-long run of the play begins on March 8th.

The production continues a successful season at the Henry Street theatre which has already seen sell-out performances of Oliver! and TV comedy spin-off Dad's Army.

Mr Herring, who recently retired from Rugby police force after 25 years of service, is the ideal candidate for the part of the ghostly sleuth.

"I hope I'm not going to get myself typecast as the clever police officer who comes on and solves the case," said Mr Herring. "I can play villains as well though - last year I was Sweeney Todd, the demon barber, in a production of Sondheim's musical in Leamington. You can't get much more villainous than that!"

Director Ashley Hirons has put together a cast of Ruby theatre regulars and enthusiastic newcomers for the mystery which sees the arrival of Inspector Goole rocking the cosy world of the prosperous Birling family.

"An Inspector Calls is a thrilling piece of theatre - and has been a real challenge for the cast," said Mr Hirons.

"It's a kind of morality play that unfolds so cleverly that you can't help but be gripped."

Also among the cast is Ruth McCallum who starred as Rita in Educating Rita and recently as Lady Macbeth. After this production is over, she will go straight into rehearsals for Duet for One at Leamington's The Loft Theatre.

An Inspector Calls is studied by GCSE students all over the country and was made into a film starring Alistair Sim in 1954.

It was given a new lease of life in a multi-award winning National Theatre production in the 1990s.

Tickets for the show, which runs from March 8th-15th, are on sale at the theatre's box office on (01788) 541234.