Club spokesman Samantha Payne said: "There was pandemonium when inmates from the local fictional institution escaped from their secure wards and wandered the streets of Burgess Hill.

"The actors wandered the streets in costume and in character to promote the play so it might have appeared a little crazier than normal on Church Walk."

Samantha added: "The play is by Dale Wasserman and is a powerful and thought-provoking piece, based on Ken Kesey's novel, which was followed by the Oscar-winning film by Milos Forman.

Peter Forester will play the demanding role of Randle P McMurphy made famous by Jack Nicholson in the film. McMurphy is a charming rogue who contrives to serve a short sentence in a mental institution, rather than in prison.

"This, he learns, was a mistake. He clashes with nurse Ratched, the fierce commander of the ward. He leads the patients out of introversion, staging revolts and arranging a midnight party with hookers. For one offence, the head nurse has him submit to shock treatment. But a fate worse than that awaits McMurphy.

"The staging of the production will create an intimate atmosphere, guaranteeing the audience feels truly involved but that means seating is at a premium so buy your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Box office opening was a huge success with two performances being completely sold out. Four nights remain so call box office to check availability and purchase your tickets."

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest runs from July 9-11 and July 16-18 at the Burgess Hill Theatre on Church Walk. Tickets are £8.50 and can be bought at the theatre box office on Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-1pm, or by phoning 01444 242984 outside these hours.

To find out more about the club, its activities and membership visit www.burgesshilltheatreclub.org.uk or contact chairman Peter Gooding on 01444 244928.