Overcoats and laundry are at the heart of two short comedies being presented at Alloa’s Alman Theatre in early February.

Laundry and Bourbon by the American writer James McLure is set on a hot summer afternoon in the front porch of Roy and Elizabeth's home in Maynard, Texas, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere.

Elizabeth and her friend Hattie are whiling away the time folding laundry, watching TV, sipping bourbon and Coke, and gossiping about the many open secrets which are part of small-town life. They are joined by the self-righteous Amy Lee who, among other titbits, can't resist blurting out that Roy has been seen around town with another woman. The ensuing conversation is edged with bitter humour and wonderful one-liners.

The cast is Rhona Law, Jennifer Marjoribanks and Clare Scougall.

Its companion piece is The Bespoke Overcoat. Written by Wolf Mankowitz, it’s a witty ghost story adapted from a tale by the Russian Nikolai Gogol.

Fender is a lowly clerk in the warehouse of clothing manufacturers Ranting and Co. His one ambition is to have an overcoat of his own. Refused one by the cold-hearted Ranting, he asks a tailor friend, Morry, to make him one instead, but dies of cold before he can take delivery of it. Unwilling to give up his only desire even in death, he returns as a ghost to persuade Morry to steal him the overcoat he so coveted in life.

The cast is Jim Allan, Calum Nicol, Brian Paterson and Brian Tripney.

The plays will be performed by Falkirk’s Tryst Theatre who have been guests of The Alman in recent years. Both are directed by Jim Allan, who said: “Tryst continue to be thrilled by performing in the Coachhouse and we can promise a hugely enjoyable evening at the theatre.”

And the Alman’s Gerry Docherty added: “We’re delighted once again to welcome our friends and colleagues from Tryst Theatre to the Alman in what is guaranteed to be a fantastic night's entertainment."

The two plays are on at the Alman from February 1-3, with curtain-up at 7.30pm. Tickets, £10 (£8 concessions), are available from the Tryst Box Office on 01324 715886.