CAST and crew of local production company the arc are hoping it will be a case of “third time lucky” for their show at Sterts Theatre later this month.

Poltroon was just hours away from beginning its week-long run in Upton Cross in July when several cast-members were “pinged” by the NHS track and trace app. This cancellation followed the shelving of the project a year earlier as a result of the first lockdown.

Now the team plan to stage six shows from September 21 to 25, with performances at 7.30pm, plus a 2pm Saturday matinee.

“A lot of hard work, planning, and money went into bringing Poltroon to the stage,” said writer Simon Parker, who co-produces the arc with Sarah Pym.

“Cancelling the run was disappointing for everyone involved – but thanks to the commitment of the cast, the loyalty of those who’d already bought tickets, and the incredible organisation, flexibility and support of Peter Woodward and the whole Sterts team, we’re going to give it another go.”

Rehearsals for Poltroon – described as “a bittersweet story of male friendship set in a Cornish village” – began over Zoom, before transferring to an open barn in Linkinhorne for the closing weeks.

In 2009, Gonamena told the story of the Caradon mining boom and bust years, and involved more than 100 local people of all ages as performers, musicians, technicians, and makers.

Five years later, Third Light, also written by Simon, told the WWI story of Herodsfoot, Cornwall’s only “fortunate village”. A cast of more than 70 – many from Linkinhorne – took part as well as a live brass band.

Poltroon is a smaller affair, having a cast of just seven (including Linkinhorners Colin Humphries and Sarah Pym), plus an ensemble of singers. The set – designed by Meier Williams – is an imaginative evocation of a Cornish coastal village.

“Through humour, song, and the revealing of shared experiences, the story of Poltroon follows a group of old men who have been friends for a very long time,” said Simon. “At its core lies the question: have you ever wondered how life might have turned out if you’d made different decisions?”

Directed by Ollie Mcfarlane and supported by FEAST and Hall for Cornwall, Poltroon is at Sterts from September 21 to 25. Tickets, priced £12 and £6, can be booked by calling the box office on 01579-362382 or by visiting www.sterts.co.uk. Existing tickets for the July dates are automatically transferred to the corresponding day in the September week.