A star of the British stage, that has appeared on stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company, is to take a leading part in the Company of Ten’s latest production at the Abbey Theatre.

But the theatre veteran grabbing the limelight is not an actor, or even a person, it’s a harp.

The group is tuning up for its performances of Arthur Miller’s The Price and the instrument is a key prop in the play.

Set in Manhattan in 1968, the play explores the toxic relationship between two estranged brothers, who meet to go through the belongings of their dead parents. But the price they might get for an attic full of furniture and other paraphernalia does not compare to the heavy price they’ve already paid for life-changing choices in their past.

The tense drama also has plenty of humour, primarily provided by the octogenarian antiques dealer who comes to value the family heirlooms – including their mother’s harp.

In real life, the instrument belongs to St Albans resident and professional harpist Geraldine McMahon, who has dubbed it “The Price harp” because it has appeared in so many productions of the play.

She first loaned out the instrument 12-years-ago and says: “Since then, it has appeared in so many theatres up and down the country it should have its own Equity Card.

“It has even been used by the Royal Shakespeare Company.”

The harp, which dates back to the 19th Century, is no longer playable because of the damage to its soundboard and Geraldine adds: “The strings can be pulled for the requirements of the stage directions, but it’s not strong enough to be tuned up or played. So it’s living out its retirement as a part of The Price.”

Abbey Theatre Studio, Westminster Lodge, Holywell Hill, St Albans, January 23 to 25, 8pm, January 26, 2,30pm and January 29 to February 1, 8pm. Details: 01727 857861, abbeytheatre.org.uk