THE worlds of the theatre and the building yard are thrown together in John Godber’s new comedy Poles Apart, which comes to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre this month.

Running from November 16 to 21, the show from the BAFTA award-winning writer of Teechers, Bouncers and The Debt Collectors is billed as a "hilarious clash-of-cultures comedy".

The Theatre Royal is an oasis of artistic calm, equality and sensitivity, but when the scaffolders from hell descend upon the thespians, the masks slip and the curtain comes down.

Phil, Fat Glen and Polish Jan deliver a breathless rant on life, art and sausage sarnies amid desperate efforts to mend the leaking roof.

But when leading lady Abi and theatre manager Grahame unleash their real feelings about the men with the hard hats, the question is, who is the most brutal?

John Godber examines the role of the theatre in the life of the working man and the role of the working man in the life of the theatre, and asks, are they Poles Apart?

Uncompromising and unflinching, this world premiere takes a deliriously funny look at life from the top of a scaff’ tower. And it’s never over until the fat man sings.

Poles Apart has a strong cast of five, including Adrian Hood (Dinnerladies), Frazer Hammill (Happy Valley), Rob Hudson (The Bill), Keith Hukin (Heartbeat) and Ruby Thompson (New Tricks).

The play was commissioned by David Pugh, who produced Calendar Girls, The Full Monty and the new Tim Firth and Gary Barlow musical The Girls.

Tickets, priced from £10 to £24.50 or £6 for under 30s, are available online at sjt.uk.com and from the box office on 01723 370541.