THE world premiere of a play in which an Oxford professor is kidnapped to scupper a real-life housing estate plan will take place next month.

The Battle of Fyfield, written by villager Nick Smith, will be performed at Appleton Village Hall on May 11.

It was written as part of the villagers' campaign against a plan by St John's College to build a 700-home estate on land it owns in the parish.

Mr Smith said the play highlighted that such a dramatic and illegal course would be the only way to stop the plans.

The 'with-script' performance will begin at 8pm and is free entry.