Laughter is good for your health: Denys Edwards Players stage John Godber comedy Gym and Tonic in Dronfield

Actors are getting fit for a comedy play where scenes are set in a health spa.

Denys Edward Players will present John Godber’s classic Gym and Tonic, a tongue-in cheek look at people’s obsession with well-being, exercise classes and health treatments. On a more serious note, the play focuses on mental health and the pressure to cope with modern life.

Don and Shirley Weston have checked in to the extremely expensive Scardale Hall Health and Hydro, to relax, pamper themselves and possibly reconnect with each other. However, aerobics, squash and even getting his colours done seems to do little to prevent Don’s mid-life crisis spiralling out of control. It seems the other residents are also looking for something missing in their lives, which any of the treatments on offer are unlikely to fulfil. So, is the Westons’ stay doomed or will it rescue their ailing marriage?

Gym and Tonic will be performed at Dronfield Civic Centre from October 28 to October 31, 2026.

Mark Harris, who lives in Chesterfield, plays leading man Don Weston in Gym and Tonic.

The cast includes two actors living in Chesterfield: Mark Harris who plays the lead man Don and Sue McCormick who is cast as the slightly dotty, naughty old woman Gertrude Tate.

Susan Claydon plays the leading lady Shirley Weston, John Castell is cast as construction company owner Ken Blake, Rosie Choppin plays fitness instructor Zoe, Corrie Houton is cast as spa masseuse Chloe, Josh Holliday plays student Shaun and Connor Hibbert is cast as gym assistant.

Performances of Gym and Tonic will start at 7.30pm Wednesday to Friday, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. There is a bar.

Tickets £12.50 (booking fee may apply). Book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/denysedwardsplayers or www.denysedwardsplayers.org/gymandtonic or via phone on 01246 453792.