EAST Riding Theatre, Beverley, is to mount an in-house production of Royal Court and National Theatre playwright Richard Bean's unorthodox love story, Kiss Me, from October 5 to 28.

Hull playwright Bean wrote The Hypocrite, starring York actor Mark Addy,  for Hull Truck Theatre as part of Hull, UK City of Culture 2017, and his best-known play, One Man, Two Guvnors, has been a hit in London’s West End, on Broadway and on tour.

Kiss Me transferred from Hampstead Theatre to the Trafalgar Studios in the West End in June this year, and East Riding Theatre's regional premiere will be the first production outside London.

Artistic director Adrian Rawlins says: "We’re really pleased to be putting on Kiss Me at ERT. Richard has been a great supporter of the theatre since its beginning and became one of our ambassadors in 2014. Kiss Me is an intriguing and rib-tickling two-hander that I think will work wonderfully in the intimate atmosphere at ERT."

Described by Bean as "a forbidden love story", Kiss Me is set in the late-1920s when war widow Stephanie is desperate to become a mother. Aware there is little chance of finding a husband from the few men who survived the Great War, she instead makes a date with Dennis, who has a rather unusual profession. In a world where everything has been turned upside down by the ravages of war, is Dennis really the answer to her dream of having a baby, however? What follows is a tender, humorous and compelling tale with no kissing allowed.

The play will be directed by Matt Aston, whose 40th anniversary revival of Stephen Lowe's Touched at Nottingham Playhouse received outstanding reviews in February. "I'm delighted to have been asked to direct Kiss Me at ERT," he says.

"Richard Bean is a playwright I've admired for many years, so it's a real thrill to get the opportunity to direct the regional premiere of this fantastic two-hander. The fact it's at a venue that already has a place in my heart makes it even more special.’

Returning to ERT’s stage after her Beverley debut in Rebecca Lenkiewicz's The Night Season earlier this year, Bettine Mackenzie takes the role of Stephanie. East Yorkshire actor Edward Cole, who worked at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre before returning to Hull, makes his ERT debut as Dennis. Set design is by Ed Ullyart; lighting design by Simon Bedwell.

Tickets for the autumn run's 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm matinees are on sale at £12 to £18 at eastridingtheatre.co.uk or on 01482 874050.