DENNIS Potter's contoversial play Brimstone and Treacle is being staged at Bexleyheath's Edward Alderton Theatre.

Potter wrote the script in 1976 for the BBC's Play for Today series.

Although it was commissioned and recorded, the play was banned from being aired by the programme director, who described it as "nauseating".

Re-written by Potter for theatre, it was first performed on stage in 1977.

A film version followed in 1982, and it finally made it's TV debut in 1987.

The story concerns middle-class couple Mr and Mrs Bates who are struggling to care for their severely mentally-disabled daughter Patricia (Kelly Russell).

Suddenly pleasant, polite Martin (Andrew Kelly), walks into their lives.

But who is he? Despite his innocent charm, there is something slightly satanic about him ...

Brimstone and Treacle is a disturbing play, tackling mental disability and rape, but it is suffused with Potter's trademark black humour.

Brimstone and Treacle, October 7 to 14. Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath, 8pm (no Sunday show), tickets £6. Call 020 8301 5584.