The gin-soaked jazz era seems the perfect setting for a new version of The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus.

St Albans-based company Foot in the Door Theatre will perform Marlowe’s tale, of a man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power, with 1940s style dancing and singing.

Faustus is a brilliant but arrogant academic and seizes the opportunity to learn more about magic and the universe despite the high price. After selling his soul to Lucifer he is given Mephistopheles, the devil’s servant, as his companion.

Foot in the Door is known for its performances of Shakespeare in traditional costume and company director Kate Raw says the 1940s theme is “a first“ for the company.

They have chosen a soundtrack which includes Glenn Miller and Voodoo Daddy and even have a traditional 1940s radio to play them from.

Kate says the fresh twist was partly inspired by the legend of musician Robert Johnson, who is said to have made a similar deal.

“He reportedly sold his soul to the devil in the jazz era.

“As a company we like to make stuff fun and we really wanted to bring out the humour.

“By setting it in the 1940s we were able to have all the characters trying to persuade Faustus to come out and drink and make him more of a person with friends, not just someone who wants to sell his soul.“

She adds: “The heart of the story is the relationship between Mephistopheles and Faustus and how they are together for 24 years and over the course of the play really become friends, and when it becomes time for Faustus to be taken to hell Mephistopheles doesn’t want to let him go but has to.“

The Maltings Arts Theatre, Level 2, The Maltings, St Albans, Saturday, March 1, 2pm and 7.30pm. Details: 0844 8700 887, maltingsartstheatre.co.uk