Father is made offer he can’t possibly refuse

Set after the end of the Second World War, The Syndicate was written by Eduardo De Filippo but has been newly arranged by Mike Poulton for 2011.

The tale begins when an honest young man named Antonio Barracano stabs a brutal night-watchman to death.

With the help of a godfather he is smuggled out of Naples to hide in New York. While in America he is convicted of murder. Safe overseas, he quickly acquires wealth and a reputation for ruthlessness.

Later he returns to Naples and uses his new status to quash his conviction. He is soon feared and respected throughout the city.

Barracano rules underbelly of Naples with a rod of iron but when a respectable though poor young man decides to murder his father and comes to Don Antonio for advice, the Neapolitan emerges from the shadows to make the man’s father an offer he cannot refuse.

Internationally renowned actor, Sir Ian McKellen, stars in The Syndicate, which kicks off Cambridge Arts Theatre’s autumn season.

McKellen began his acting career at the theatre when he was an undergraduate for the Marlowe Society.

His return marks 50 distinguished years in the career, which have made him one of the world’s most recognised and praised actors.

McKellen will perform as part of the Chichester Festival Theatre company.

Other cast members will include Cherie Lunghi as Donna Armida Barracano. She competed in the 2008 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Michael Pennington will play Dr Fabio while Oliver Cotton plays Arturo Santaniello.

The Syndicate will be performed at Cambridge Arts Theatre from Monday, August 29 to Saturday, September 3.

Showings will be at 7.45pm and there will be additional matinee performances on the Thursday and Saturday and 2.30pm.

There will also be a free post show talk on the Tuesday.

Tickets cost from £20 to £39 plus a £2 booking fee. Call the box office on 01223 503333 to book yours.