A BEST-selling author is set to take his western murder mystery to the stage in Rivington.

Chris Martin’s play ‘Shot in the Rockies’ is in the style of a courtroom drama, which is inspired by his love of westerns growing up and his trip to America.

The play is set in 1850 and influenced by the Gold Rush years, which focuses on professional newsreader Hank Buckwheat, who asks the audience for help with an unsolved murder.

Chris, from Adlington, said: “I look at themes that I fancy or have taken an interest in, and my experience when I lived in America in a camp in New York and Roscoe.

“It’s easy and fun to stage because of the live aspect of the performance.

“Even though we have only had one rehearsal, the cast have received the script over a month in advance.

“The play gives those a chance who might not get the chance, and there is a real community feel. The characters are really brought to life in this.”

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Chris originally became a playwright and published author after leading the drama department at Thornleigh College in Bolton for 12 years.

This then led to him to write a murder mystery for a school PTA fundraising event, and later writing the ‘Who Killed the Headmaster?’ play.

Chris said: “I love getting on the stage and being in the production. As a writer it’s also a chance to try the piece out in a supportive environment and make any minor changes.”

Amateur actors will be starring in the play, while they read the script and ask the audience for help solving the crime.

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The play will be complete with western themed music, an American flag, and a cactus, at the Rivington Tearooms on Saturday, February 19.

Chris’s second book, Inky Stevens: The Case of the Abominable Snowball, will also be out next month, which tells the story of a teacher who is hit by a snowball.

Tickets are £10, which also includes a serving of traditional gumbo, and can be bought from Jade at the Tearooms, by calling 07946 103 699.