The dense, dark, winding corridors of Gormenghast will be brought to life at Clifftown Theatre next week as East 15’s physical theatre students take on a stage adaptation of the classic novel in an ambitious production.

The gothic fantasy novel by Mervyn Peake, featuring vivid characters including the scheming Steerpike, emotional, imaginative introvert Fuschia and heir to Gormenghast Titus Groan, will be brought alive onstage at the Nelson Street theatre.

“I worked with the students for a week before I decided on a play,” explains director Gary Sefton.

“I had some ideas up my sleeve but I thought this was perfect for them because of the skills and training the students on the physical theatre course have.

“It’s got all the elements they need, that visual and physical flair to it but also that storytelling - it requires them to dig really deep with their acting.”

Based mainly around the second of Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast trilogy, the story sees reluctant Gormenghast heir Titus Groan clash with ambitious would-be usurper Steerpike, who has been making his way up through the ranks of the castle, stopping at nothing, including murder, to get what he wants.

With dramatic scenes, suffocatingly atmospheric surroundings and multi-dimensional characters, it’s got all the ingredients for a night of high drama in its stage adaptation form.

Gormenghast is at Clifftown Theatre, Nelson Street, Westcliff from March 14-16 at 7.30pm, Sat mat 2.30pm. Tickets are £8/5 concessions, call: 01702 328335.