A drama group has started an historical dispute with a play about a 300-year-old murder mystery.

Deal People's Theatre Company billed Ambrose Gwinnet is Innocent as a true story about an 18th century miscarriage of justice.

But some local people are claiming the story was pure fiction.

The play tells the story of a young man who was convicted of a murder in Deal on carnival day in 1709. Although he was hanged and his body left in chains he was cut down and revived to flee the country and subsequently meet the man he was supposed to have killed.

Director Guy Scantlebury says the play is based on a pamphlet published in the 18th century and does contain many accurate details.

"It is, at least, the closest you can get to the truth after all this time," he said.

But Gregory Holyoake, of Deal, says Ambrose Gwinnet is as true as Harry Potter.

"The story is pure fabrication by the Irish dramatist Isaac Bickerstaff,” he claimed.

Have your say on our Speak Out, below.

Full story in Thursday's East Kent Mercury.