Family drama, farce, comedy and classic Chaucer are playing in theatres around Sussex.

WIFE OF BATH, LEWES CASTLE, AUGUST 1-2: Chaucer's classic play exploring the nature of marriage and relationships is performed in the gardens of Lewes Castle by the Rude Mechanical Theatre Company. Two tales are taken and twisted to produce a dramatic debate, one robust, bawdy and comic, and the other a poetic portrayal of love. Starts 7.45pm, tickets £8/£5. Call 01323 501260.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY, CONNAUGHT THEATRE, WORTHING, AUGUST 4-9: A hospital-set farce about a neurologist who meets up with an old flame. With a host of well-known television stars, including Jeffrey Holland from Hi-De-Hi, David Griffin from Keeping Up Appearances and Geoffrey Davies from Doctor in the House. Starts 7.30pm plus Wednesday and Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets £12 to £19. Call 01903 206206.

JOKER BASEMENT, KOMEDIA, BRIGHTON, AUGUST 5: This is the night comedian Guy Venables, pictured, chose to promote by stripping off and plunging into the water at the Sea Life Centre in Brighton. There will be reduced price drinks and free cigarettes (quality variable). Starts 8.30pm, tickets £6/£4. Call 01273 647100 for further information.

THE SECRET RAPTURE, BARN THEATRE, SOUTHWICK, AUGUST 6-9: From the pen of The Hours screenplay writer David Hare comes this tale of two sisters entwined in money, ambition and alcoholism. The elder is a politician driven to succeed, the younger gentle and artistic. Both react to events around them in different ways. Performed by the Wick Theatre Company. Starts 7.45pm, tickets £5. Call 01273 597094.