A PUB will transform itself into a free theatre – for one night only.

The Farmer’s Arms, at Scorton, near Richmond, will stage a travelling musical play, Babylon, by the Flanagan Collective, on January 31, at 8.30pm.

Licensee Laura Wykes said she regularly hosted community events, such as open mic nights and quizzes, but a theatrical show was a first for the village green inn.

Ms Wykes said: “We are always keen to find unusual ways of combining the pub atmosphere with live performance.

“I thought a travelling theatre was not only a new and wonderful opportunity to put on something totally different for our customers, but also another way of doing our bit to preserve the important heritage of rural pubs and local theatre.”

She said while entry would be free, it was hoped the audience would enjoy the novelty and quality of the production sufficiently to make donations to the players and musicians from the Flanagan Collective.

For details, call 01748-812533.