Domestic drudgery is brought to life by a comic drama about a fractured marriage and bird watching.

The Seven Year Twitch tells the story of a dysfunctional marriage and starts off with Fran arranging a dinner party and cooking an aubergine parmigiana.

Husband Terry fails to turn up because he is searching for a yellow-bellied flycatcher in Norfolk, which turns out to be the last straw in their seven year marriage.

Professionals are called in and friends, therapists and even the birds become embroiled in the escalating crisis.

Writer and director David Lewis has written and produced plays at the Orange Tree for 15 years and took time out of rehearsals to speak to the Richmond and Twickenham Times.

He says he does have an interest in bird watching but warned audiences they would not learn anything about it in the play, which couples could relate to by swapping in their own interests.

He says: “It’s one of those issues which is actually quite common that the man is not available enough and is busy, often obsessive, with other pursuits.

“It’s a play about relationships and about marriage.”

Lewis, who lives in East Molesey, has past works including Bad Faith, Sperm Wars, Hurting, Misconceptions, Monkey’s Uncle, Greenwash and How to be Happy.

The production is designed by Sam Downson, with lighting design by John Harris, and the cast includes Paul Kemp, Simon Mattacks, Kate Miles, Paul O'Mahony, Amanda Royle, Joannah Tincey and Lucy Tregear.

Lewis says: “We have got a great cast, very talented seven people. It’s terrific to be able to work with them.”

Seven Year Twitch at the Orange Tree Theatre, Clarence Street, Richmond. Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, June 22. Tickets £12.50 to £14.50. Call 020 8940 3633 or visit orangetreetheatre.co.uk.