Two travellers run out of petrol, only to find themselves stranded in the middle of a rainstorm. Where can they go for help but the nearest abandoned castle, which - wait for it - just happens to be haunted.

Think you've heard it all before? Well, you haven't heard Shriek!, the latest production from Baked Bean Theatre Two (BBT2), which opens at the New Wimbledon Studio Theatre next week.

The third show from this acclaimed group of local actors with learning disabilities, Shriek! is a far cry from the post-modern glibness of Scream and its spin-offs.

"It's a bit of fun that started out from our regular workshops last October," says director Ellen Moore.

"The actors came up with the haunted house setting and it just seemed to stick. Ever since we've been developing it into a play."

Formed three and a half years ago when the original Baked Bean Theatre Company (BBT Co.) became oversubscribed, BBT2 is a subsidiary of the award-winning Act Too, who now run five distinct groups in the area for adults with learning disabilities.

The 17-strong cast of Shriek!, who range in age from 20 to 65, suffer from a variety of conditions including Aspergers and Fragile X to Down's Syndrome.

As Moore explains: "It can be difficult for some of the actors to imagine things or understand symbolic elements so I try to tailor characters to the individuals and their talents, whether that's dancing or singing or whatever. Someone else coudn't come in to do their roles."

"We work together which is great for building confidence and social skills. Best of all, the actors are creating something of their own."

Moore, 29, a Drama and Psychology graduate now working towards a qualification in Drama Therapy, has been amazed by the progress made over the last ten months.

"It's for the fun of it really but it is nice when you have a breakthrough with someone," she says.

"One woman, Kaylete, was this quiet, shy lady when I met her and now she's one of the stars of the show. It has been great to watch her work."

Following its Wimbledon run, Shriek! will transfer to Battersea Arts Centre for Octoberfest, the venue's month long arts festival, where the cast will be hoping to emulate the success of last year's Big Mac, a BBT Co. production.

Nerves and excitment are running high, says Moore, but she is confident that the show will deliver on its title.

"There are more than a few shrieks, a few surprises and a lot of laughter," she says.

  • Shriek!, New Wimbledon Studio, The Broadway, Wimbledon, Tuesday. September 5 to Thursday September 7, 7pm, Thurs mat 2pm, £5. Call 0870 060 6646, visit newwimbledontheatre.co.uk