First staged in 1978, Deathtrap holds the record as the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway.

A play about a play within a play, Deathtrap follows the desperate last grasp for fame of ageing playwright Sidney Bruhl (Alan Glover), who happens to be struggling with chronic writer's block.

When a former student, Clifford Anderson (Rod Sinnamon), sends Sidney a script of his first play, a masterful whodunit called Deathtrap, a rollercoaster chain of events ensues.

Those swept up include Sidney’s wife (Valley Artists newcomer Nicky West), his lawyer (Bob Philippe) and a mysterious Dutch psychic (Robyn Blackwell).

Brilliantly conceived and masterfully constructed, with plot twists galore, Deathtrap is a very funny thriller.

A professional stand-up comedian since 1983, Glover is no stranger to this play, having undertaken the role of the younger playwright Clifford some 33 years ago.

“Ira Levin is the cleverest of writers. Deathtrap rushes ahead of itself then doubles back over and over again,” Glover said.

“It thoroughly explores the thriller genre but with such a sense of humour the audience will be laughing and screaming in equal measure.” 

Karen Jones, no stranger to Valley Artists audiences, makes her directorial debut with Deathtrap, supported by an experienced backstage crew including stage manager Rosie Glover and tech director Andrew Jones, with a brilliant set design by Giles Tester and his creative team.

Deathtrap opens at 8pm at Laguna Hall on Friday, November 4.

Performances will follow every night until November 12 (excluding November 7 and 8).

Tickets can be booked at valleyartists.org.

For your chance to win a double pass to Deathtrap, email your name and phone number to lowerhunter@fairfaxmedia.com.au with ‘Valley Artists’ in the subject line by 11.59pm October 30.