As a Russian escapee holds an American actress hostage and demands money, she calmly replies, “I’ll write you a check.” No, this is not the latest Bond movie, it’s an excerpt from a high-spirited English farce put on by UNCW’s very own theatre department.

Suspenseful yet humorous, this rib-tickling play will have audiences exhausted from laughing until their sides ache. “See How They Run” is a wildly amusing farce set in a rural English vicarage. Galloping in and out of six entrances of the vicarage are an American soldier and a former actress, a sarcastic Cockney maid who has seen too many movies, an old maid who “touched alcohol for the first time,” four men in clergyman suits (one of which is an escaped convict), and a sedate and somewhat befuddled Bishop who is aghast at all these goings on. Once the confusion begins, the play becomes a hilarious non-stop crescendo of laughter.

An added treat in this play is the presence of Emmy award winner Henry Darrow, who plays the exuberant and sometimes oblivious Bishop of Lax. Darrow is taking time out from his fulfilling acting career to share his talent and wisdom with some of UNCW’s young thespians.

“I love that I am able to play off the wonderful energy of these talented kids,” Darrow exclaims.

“Working with Mr. Darrow has been an exhilarating experience for me and the cast. He brings to University Theatre a dynamic personality combined with dedicated professionalism enriching his character and positively affecting everyone around him.” said Dr. Terry Theodore, director of “See How They Run.”

Jaclyn Hinds, a UNCW junior, plays the vivacious part of the American actress, Penelope Toop. A theatre major, Hinds adds to her character an elastic energy that unquestionably brings the role of Penelope to life.

“One word I would use to describe doing this play would be ‘fun.’ It’s very exciting to work with such a great script and amusing group of people,” said Hinds.

Jonathan Kersnowski, a theatre major at UNCW, portrays the role of Reverend Lionel Toop, Penelope’s husband.

Kersnowski’s character is an exciting one that will eventually take his revenge while running around wearing nothing but his underwear. When asked about how he feels about this upcoming debut he admits that he is “a little nervous.”

“See How They Run” will be performed in Kenan Auditorium, Feb. 17-20. Tickets are $2 for UNCW students (bring a valid ID card), $8 for all general public and $5 each for groups of 15 or more.