This brand new play is a version of the Noah's Ark story but set in Bermondsey in 1922 and deals with the bullying of a Jewish family by a rich and powerful industrialist, the rise of fascism and the aftermaths of the First World War.

Pete Talbot from the Mechanicals explained: "It is quite dark subject matter, but still very funny and also a fantasy with a surreal ending. All six actors are terrific jazz musicians and it's worth coming for the music alone! But the story is gripping and full of our usual slapstick routines and audience interaction.

"The play is aimed at adults but some children will enjoy it too if they are disposed to sit for a couple of hours."

Noah Babel is carving animals for a carousel. His workshop in Paradise Street is wedged between the towering walls of Sir Sidney Greenleaf's leather works and Sir Sidney wants him out. Courteous Crump, manager of The Industrial & Marine Friendly Loan & Life Assurance Co, assures Noah that the work will pay for the last installment of his mortgage. But then the troubles start.

The loan is suddenly called in and the majestic Goliath, one of a pair of bespoke giraffes, mysteriously has his neck broken.

Inspector Slope of the Yard arrives to say Noah has been mentioned in connection with the death of a certain Pile, clerk to Courteous Crump, whose body has been found in the Thames.

While London dances at Mizzi's, Noah is forced to pawn his precious gold watch to the sinister Fosca, whose shadowy premises overlook the river. Black clouds gather and it begins to rain.

The river rises and swells - and the noses of Noah's carousel horses, giraffes, lions, hippos, tigers and the rest, gathered two by two in his workshop, begin to twitch.

Noah Babel's Ark will be at Selborne Primary School on Thursday, July 24, Conford Village Hall Green on Friday 25, Hambledon Village Hall Green on Saturday 26, and Ropley Recreation Ground on Thursday, August 7, all at 7.30pm.