Sutton Amateur Dramatic Club (SADC) has a reputation for taking on adventurous productions and challenging plays, and with their staging of Irish three-parter Translations they are certainly living up to expectation, writes Nick Hitchens.

Written by Brian Friel – dubbed the Irish Chekhov – the play takes the audience to 19th century Ireland in an exploration of the power of language.

Considered by many a modern classic, the play centres around the quiet rural community of Baile Beag. Despite its sleepy nature, the area is a haven for different languages, leading to troubles and tension – a metaphor for the troubles between occupying English and the indigenous Irish.

If that sounds too serious, Friel handles these themes with such lightness of touch you barely notice the points he is making, helped by placing a touching love affair between a young English officer, sent to map the Irish countryside and Anglicise the place names, and a local girl at the centre of his story. Formed 112 years ago, SADC is one of the oldest community drama groups in the UK and stages three productions a year.

Recent runs have included The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, Dario Fo’s biting satire Accidental Death of an Anarchist and, most recently, Blue Stockings by Jessica Swales.

Translations; Charles Cryer Theatre, Carshalton; November 12 - 15, 7.45pm; £12 -£9; 020 8770 6990; www.suttontheatres.co.uk