THE first play in the Garrick’s new season opens at the ACE Centre.

Comedy thriller Natural Causes, written by Eric Chappell and directed by Mark Storton, launches the second season for the Burnley-based society at the Nelson venue.

Ken Entwistle plays the central character Vincent – a professional suicide merchant, who has invented a colourless, odourless, tasteless, all-natural poison.

When taken, it gives the impression of ‘death by natural causes’.

When he is invited to the home of Walter Bryce (Giles Williams), Vincent assumes that it is he who wishes to take the poison, but it soon becomes clear that the product is intended for Walter’s wife Celia (Amanda Ashby).

Vincent is shown a series of suicide letters, but these are all typed and unsigned.

A spokesman for the Garrick said: “Add to the mix Angie (Lisa Briercliffe), Walter’s young and very attractive secretary, and the appearance of Withers (Tom Garner), an intense and ultimately very confused Samaritan, and you have a comedy-mystery thriller at its blackest and best.”

Season tickets for all the 2011-2012 plays are still available from Martin Chadwick on 01282 439997 or 07788 554939, costing £32, £25 for students and under 16’s.

Natural Causes, the Garrick, ACE Centre, Cross Street, Nelson, Wednesday, October 12 until Saturday, October 15. 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8.50, £6 for students and under 16’s, from the ACE Centre on 01282 661080.