THE Roses Theatre of Tewkesbury is offering local people the chance to be one of the first British audiences to view the new romantic comedy, Learning To Drive.

With a UK release date of Friday June 10, Roses audiences will have the opportunity to come and view an advance screening from Tuesday June 7, with a further two screenings on Thursday June 9.

A spokesman said: "Learning To Drive stars Ben Kingsley, of Ghandi and The Jungle Book fame, as a Sikh driving instructor who teaches a fifty-something New Yorker much more than parallel parking in this heartfelt romantic comedy.

"When her husband of 21 years leaves her for a younger woman, Wendy finds herself without a driver to take her to see her daughter in Vermont. A chance encounter with Indian taxi driver Darwan gives her the chance to take control of the wheel and steer her life in a positive new direction."

Director Isabel Coixet, best known in the UK for her work on The Secret Life Of Words and My Life Without Me, oversees her second film with Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson in starring roles after 2008’s critically acclaimed Elegy.

The spokesman added "The chemistry is obvious and the duo plays the part of the odd-couple terrifically, a particular highlight being their witty, sharp back-and-forth scenes.

The Roses are delighted to be able to bring Learning To Drive to Tewkesbury before the rest of the UK. With a stellar cast at the top of their game and a hilariously warm story, it’s sure to be a hit with audience members. As one New York critic put it, Learning To Drive is fantastic adult entertainment, so why not take it for a spin."

Tickets can be purchased from the Box Office on 01684 295074 or online at www.rosestheatre.org