THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES is deadlier - and funnier - than the male, in the sharp new comedy by Joanna Murray-Smith opening at The Court on March 27.

Controversial author Margot Mason (Jude Gibson) has become a feminist icon with a series of bestselling works including The Cerebral Vagina, The Complete Insignificance of Male Sexuality and Madame Ovary. However, with her latest work overdue and a severe case of writer's block, Margot is not in the mood for an unexpected visit from devoted fan Molly Rivers (Elsie Edgerton-Till) - particularly when Molly pulls out a handgun and handcuffs Margot to her desk. With a series of additional unexpected arrivals - including Margot's publisher, daughter and an irate taxi driver- the play adds outrageous farce to biting satire.

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES was inspired by a real-life incident in which a student broke into Germaine Greer's home and held the author hostage. Greer's reaction to the play was to dismiss Murray-Smith as an "insane reactionary". Audience reactions catapulted THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES from its debut season in Melbourne to international success including seasons in the West End and a recent season on Broadway starring Annette Benning.

Director Ross Gumbley enjoys the increasingly manic pace and intellectual content of THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES. "Great theatre has to start with a great script and Joanna Murray-Smith yet again proves herself the great mistress of the written word". Gumbley is similarly thrilled with the abilities of the performers. "These characters are gifts and the cast have relished grabbing hold of them".

Audiences are advised to hold onto their seats and enjoy the ride. THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES runs until May 8.

THE FEMALE OF THE SPECIES by Joanna Murray-Smith

Directed by: Ross Gumbley

Venue: Court One, The Court Theatre, Christchurch

Cast: Alistair Browning, Elsie Edgerton-Till, Martin Howells, Jude Gibson, Eilish Moran and Tom Trevella

Production Dates: 27 March - 8 May 2010

Performances: 6pm Monday / Thursday; 7:30pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no show Sundays).

2pm matinee Saturday 3 April

Tickets: Adults $45, Senior Citizens $38, Tertiary Students $26, School Children $15,

Group discount (20+) $36, Matinee $29 (3 April only)

Bookings: The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz