With Royal Ascot currently in full swing, Penarth Operatic & Dramatic Society (PODS) has just announced that its next production will be Ladies' Day, the life-affirming comedy by Amanda Whittington.

Originally written for the Hull Truck Theatre Company when the Royal Ascot race meeting was held in York in 2005, Ladies' Day follows four women who work in a fish factory in Hull, on a much needed chance to dress up and enjoy a day out. For all of them, it turns into a day that will change their lives forever.

Life is one long, hard slog for the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda but their fortunes are set to change when they head to Ladies Day at the races. Factory hairnets make way for fascinators as the four friends hit the races for an unforgettable day out.

As the races begin, the champagne flows and a little flutter morphs into a big flap. Secrets are spilled and friendships are tested to the limit. Yet as the day unfolds and tempers fray, their accumulator bet keeps quietly winning. If their luck and their nerve holds, the ladies could hit the jackpot – and more.

"Ladies' Day is set at the races" said the play's writer, Amanda Whittington, "but it's really about a gang of workmates, their friendships and lives and bigger things than the races. I think what audiences will enjoy is the fact that it's about ordinary life and I mean that in the best sense of the word. Four ordinary women have an extraordinary experience and without wanting to give it all away they come very close to winning a huge amount of money and I think people enjoy seeing people's lives suddenly transformed in the space of a day. It's funny and poignant and the characters are very familiar."

PODS member, Sally Mathias is making her directorial debut with Ladies' Day. Sally has been performing with PODS for a number of years and jumped at the chance when PODS offered her the opportunity to direct a play. "I'm thrilled to be directing this funny, heart-warming show which tells the story of four amazing friends," Sally said of her role. "With a female director and central cast members, this production is a true Ladies Day for PODS. We have a fabulous cast and I think everyone is going to love the story that Amanda Whittington has created."

Ladies' Day is on at the Paget rooms from Wednesday 11th to Saturday 14th October and tickets can be booked online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/pods