A Croydon amateur dramatics group are hoping a local funeral director or fellow actors will come to their aid by coffin up some help.

Members of the Downsview Players, based at Downsview Church in Waddington Way, Upper Norwood, need to borrow a casket for their next production, The Memory of Water.

The tragi-comedy, written by Shelagh Stephenson, tells of three estranged sisters who meet again on the eve of their mother's funeral.

Watched over by the ghost of their mother, the funeral preparations bring back memories of childhood for the feuding sisters and the secrets of their separate lives are revealed.

Director Anne Bassi, from Crystal Palace, said: "I know this is a strange request but we're deadly serious! We're looking for a small adult coffin which will take centre stage at our next production. We're hoping that any local funeral directors or amateur dramatics groups in south London will be able to help out by lending us a coffin."

As the play touches on the theme of dementia, money raised from the cake sale at the performances will go towards the Alzheimer’s Society.

Performances will be held on November, 22, 23 and 24, so help is needed as soon as possible.