A controversial gay play which includes nudity, strong language and crossdressing is to be performed in a church.

Lord Arthur's Bed, which is based on the true story of a trial of two cross-dressers in 1868, will be shown at the Friends' Meeting House, in Ship Street, Brighton.

The play has been advertised by theatre company Theatre North, which is based in Yorkshire, as "sexually explicit" and is only suitable for those aged over 16.

It tells the tale of two modern day city slickers Donald and Jim who make a discovery that takes them back in time to the lives of wealthy young crossdressers Fred (Fanny) and Ernest (Stella), who is celebrating her "marriage" to Tory MP Lord Arthur Clinton.

But Fanny and Stella are arrested on the charge of committing a felony and face a farcical trial in front of the Lord Chief Justice at Westminster Hall. The story causes Donald and Jim to confront uncomfortable truths of their own.

The play contains excerpts from the trial's transcript and Jack Saul's Sins of the Cities of the Plain, a popular pornographic tract of the time.

Martin Lewton, who wrote and directed the play, said: "This is a true story which is hardly known at all.

"I don't think it is that shocking - it's actually quite a funny play.

"When we approached the Friends originally we told them exactly what the play was about.

"It is a highly moral play, about how gay men were treated very badly in 1870 and are still treated today.

"One thing I know about Quakers is they are highly moral people."

The Friends' Meeting House is one of about 20 churches which open their doors to performers during the fringe and with 27 events during the month, it is the most popular church venue.

Terry Byrne, the church's warden, said: "Quakers in Brighton are quite liberal people and the writer has been upfront about the play's nudity and strong language, but has reassured us there will be no simulated sexual acts.

"Quakers are very open to people from all walks of life and are very much against discrimination and prejudice.

"But there are obviously limits. For example, we wouldn't want anything which promoted aggression or violence.

"It is a fine line really and we consider each play as it comes."

Lord Arthur's Bed will be on from May 14 to 16 at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £8, £6 concessions, and can be obtained by calling 01273 709709 or www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.