A PLAY with a poignant message about prostate cancer is coming to a Colchester theatre - and it is hoping to raise lots of money for charity.

Saddle Sore will be making its way to the Headgate Theatre from April 3 until April 5, featuring performances from amateur actors, Kevin Topple, Joe Geddis, and Gary Huggins.

The show, co-written by Kevin Topple and local author, Ian Hornett, follows two men who embark on a sponsored bike ride in memory of their friend Dave who died from prostate cancer. 

Throughout the journey, they begin to open up about their physical and mental feelings.

Ian said: “Last time we did it, the audience reaction was fantastic. There were genuine tears amongst all the laughter.

"Having been close to my parents while dad lived with and eventually died of prostate cancer, that openness, plus the ability to smile sometimes, even when times are tough, is really important.”

The play has previously raised more than £850 for Prostate Cancer UK. 

Kevin added: “We wanted to write and perform a play which would raise awareness about the illness and look at the difficulties men have talking about sensitive subjects, but in a light-hearted and original way.

“Hopefully, Saddle Sore will help to get those messages out there, and at the same time raise lots of money for Prostate Cancer UK.”

Seren Evans is the head of events and community fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK.

She added: “We’re really grateful for the support of Kevin, Ian, Joe and Gary with the upcoming play.

“It’s great that the show has been so influential in raising the profile of prostate cancer - a disease which affects 1 in 8 men in the UK.

"Events like this will help us drive home that message further and fund vital research that will help us save and enrich the lives of men with prostate cancer.

“Best of luck to everybody involved.”

Tickets are £12 and all profits will go to Prostate Cancer UK.

Doors open at 7.45pm.

For more information and to buy tickets go to headgatetheatre.co.uk/events/saddle-sore.