Kent theatre creates its first touring production

The Party Girls tells the story of the 1930s aristocratic Mitford sisters

Rehearsals are under way for the world premiere of the first touring production developed by a theatre in Kent.

The Party Girls will be performed at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 1 to 6 September before embarking on a country-wide tour.

The new play by Amy Rosenthal tells the story of the aristocratic Mitford sisters who were "celebrated and sometimes scandalous figures" in England of the 1930s.

Director Richard Beecham said: "Amy's brilliant portrayal of the notorious Mitford sisters explores the present through the past, uncovers the political in the personal, and finds considerable humour amongst all the horror and heartache."

The Mitford family were aristocrats who became particularly well-known in the 1930s for six sisters.

Nancy wrote several novels about upper-class life in England, including The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate.

Diana married British fascist leader Oswald Mosley, and Unity belonged to Hitler's circle of friends.

Jessica was a communist who eloped to Spain, Deborah married the future Duke of Devonshire and Pamela married a millionaire physicist.

Deborah Shaw, Marlowe Theatre chief executive, said: "When we first read it we knew we had a majorly important, prescient play on our hands.

"Amy's play captures the wit of Nancy Mitford's novels and tells a cracking love story across continents, to a backdrop of the rise of extremism and dangerous populist leaders, intent on remaking the world order."

After a week in Canterbury, the play will go on to tour to Coventry, Great Malvern, Eastbourne, Oxford and Birmingham in September and October.