A DARKLY comic love story is taking to the stage at the Nuffield Theatre in Southampton.

Smallholding, by Chris Dunkley and starring Chris New and Matti Houghton, is the story of two young people whose lives spiral out of control because of drug addiction.

It follows Andy and Jen’s attempt to rebuild their broken lives by returning to the village they once called home.

It is the last play to be directed by Patrick Sandford, the awardwinning director of the Nuffield Theatre, marking the end of his 25 years at the helm.

Smallholding runs from April 25 to May 4, with a meet-the-cast event after the show on May 2.