The last main house show of Theatre by the Lake's summer season is in rehearsals and brings a local twist to a well-known story.

Dear Uncle, Alan Ayckbourn's adaptation of Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, is set in 1930s Ennerdale.

Having been originally performed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, this is only the second professional production of the play ever stages.

Originally commissioned for the West End, Ayckbourn directed the premiere production of Dear Uncle at the Stephen Joseph in 2011, where it was described by The Guardian as "the rambler’s version of Uncle Vanya".

Ayckbourn’s writing has frequently been compared to Chekhov’s – in particular, his navigation of the fine line between comedy and tragedy, and his exploration of both the pathos and farce of everyday life.

Alan Ayckbourn said: “I felt Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya would sit perfectly if set in a 1930s Lake District background. I’m very happy that my version, Dear Uncle, has finally come home to Theatre by the Lake."

In Dear Uncle, 16 year old Sonya and Uncle Marcus are leading a quiet life with occasional visits from the dashing Dr Ash. But this summer is different.

Sonya’s elderly father Cedric has turned up with his glamorous new wife Helena. They think they might stay for a few weeks, and before long chaos has broken out…

Dear Uncle plays in Theatre by the Lake’s Main House from August 1 to November 2.

Tickets start at £10 and are available at www.theatrebythelake.com or by calling the box office on 017687 74411.