AN evil, possessive one-eyed mum who dominates her three sons and lets nothing get in the way of her craving to control their lives, is the key figure in Trinity Players’ latest production.

The Southchurch-based group is presenting the black comedy the Anniversary, by Bill McIlwraith, in a three-night run, starting today.

The fearsome Mrs Taggart (Jacquee Storozynski-Toll) is celebrating her wedding anniversary, although her wretched husband died ten years ago.

Since then, she has run the family firm and played on her sons’ weak ponts to keep them under her thumb. However, storm clouds are gathering and the manipulative, eye-patch wearing hag’s days of power are numbered.

When her son, Terry, and his wife announce they are emigrating to Canada, Mrs Taggart uses every weapon to undermine their plans.

However, the family briefly close ranks for one last time when brother Henry’s penchant for stealing women’s underwear threatens family disgrace. The Anniversary was filmed by Hammer Films in 1968, with the legendary Hollywood actress Bette Davis in the role of Mrs Taggart, and Sheila Hancock as Karen.

The Anniversary Trinity Parish House, Southchurch Boulevard, Southend. Until Saturday. £6 7.45pm, matinee, Saturday 3pm 01702 584201