A BRAND new drama raises the curtain on The Dukes homegrown autumn season on September 30.

Following on from its successful summer run of The Hobbit, the award-winning Lancaster theatre is staging the premiere of a heartwarming play about an ordinary couple who win a second chance at life - thanks to cryonic freezing.

The Ockerbys On Ice, which runs from September 30 until October 22 at the Lancaster theatre, is a love story to melt the coldest of hearts.

Written by Dukes associate artist and Coronation Street scriptwriter, Debbie Oates, a version of the play was first aired on Radio 4.

The daughter of a scientist, Debbie explores the universal themes of mortality, love, life and loss through the lives of Dennis and Viv Ockerby, a couple more likely to be found at home in front of the tv than at the cutting edge of science and medical ethics.

The Dukes artistic director, Joe Sumsion, said he first came across Debbie’s play in 2010, and found it impossible to let go ever since. He added: “It’s both a love story and a play of ideas. Debbie explores big ethical questions through the eyes of a warm, funny couple wrestling with their own concerns. The result is a wonderful play for the head, heart and soul.”

Viv and Dennis Ockerby, played by former Coronation Street and Emmerdale actors, Karen Henthorn and David Crellin, are looking forward to retirement when Dennis is hit by a devastating diagnosis. But thanks to a scientific breakthrough, they win a shot at immortality.

And if Dennis does take the path to eternity, he’ll be watched by the world as the whole process is to be live-streamed for the first time.

However, as Dennis marches towards his destiny, Viv questions his decision and wonders what the future might hold for them.

Best known for playing Teresa Bryant in Coronation Street from 2007-2010, Oldham-born Karen appeared in the National Theatre’s production of War Horse and has had a long and varied stage career.

As well as Corrie, David, from Bolton, has many theatre, film, radio and television credits to his name, including playing Billy Hopwood, Andy’s dad, in many episodes of Emmerdale.

The Ockerbys On Ice, which will be performed in The Round, continues in The Dukes tradition of presenting new work and is the first to be partly supported by a crowdfunding campaign and a donation from television producer and Dukes Guardian, Carolyn Reynolds.

Manchester-based Debbie has been part of the Corrie team for 14 years, writing memorable episodes such as last September’s live broadcast and, more recently, Kylie Platt’s funeral. Debbie will attend a Meet The Makers event about The Ockerbys On Ice on September 15.

The Ockerbys On Ice is recommended for anyone aged 12 plus.

Box office 01524-598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.