THE Archers meets Foyle’s War in ‘Macbyrd’, a comedy thriller to be performed by The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company in Haslemere Museum’s garden, next month.

Staged as part of Haslemere Fringe Festival, it is set in 1940 in a sleepy village in rural Sussex, and focuses on the changes brought about by the threat of German invasion - with the dramatic twist that 16 of the characters are birds.

The action on Saturday, June 4, includes the Swan being murdered by the Raven and the feathered cast includes Inspector Seed the Pigeon. Bring a picnic from 6pm onwards Curtain up 7.30pm. Tickets from Haslemere Hall on 01428 642161 or at www.haslemerehall.co.uk. Festival details at www.lionfest.co.uk and on Facebook or Twitter.