Joe Strummer once said: "Punk rock means exemplary manners to your fellow human beings. Not being an a**hole."

The iconic frontman of punk band The Clash was well known for being a thoroughly decent bloke.

When he died of a heart attack in 2002, aged 50, fans recalled his devotion. It was said he never left a venue until everyone who had waited got an autograph - a process which often lasted hours.

It's this integrity, as well as his inspiring creativity and sense of humour, which playwright Paul Hodson hopes to portray in this nostalgic show.

It charts the up and downs of two Clash fans, who met at a gig as teenagers and whose friendship spans three decades.

The show stars Emmerdale's Nick Miles (whose character Jimmy King was put in a coma so he could start rehearsals) and London's Burning actor Steve North, both devoted Joe Strummer fans.

"We wanted to do a theatre piece about someone who was a hero to us and to give an insight into his life, his music and ideas - but we had to find the right form," says Paul. "We didn't want to do a biography or a tribute show because that wouldn't properly portray who the man was. Joe would have been turning in his grave at that.

"What we know is what we feel about him - so we can see the man from a fan's point of view."

Brighton-based Paul, whose previous work includes stage adaptations of Bill Bryson's The Lost Continent and Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch, interviewed Clash fans, collating their stories and perspectives before writing the script.

He also spoke with Joe's step-daughter and his music charity Strummerville, gaining the support of both.

The play is set about a month before Joe died, at the now legendary gig he played with his band The Mescaleros, when former Clash bandmate Mick Jones joined him on stage for an impromptu encore.

Stories of the fans are then told through a series of flashbacks and flashforwards. The two friends also explore their own pasts and how Joe Strummer shaped their lives.

"It's all done without costume changing. There's a twinkling of an eye, the lights change, the music changes and they morph into their different ages. It's funny but also truthful and thought-provoking.

"I really wanted it to be for everyone. Joe was such a dynamic character and such an inspiration - his attitude was do it yourself, don't follow crowds. Even if you're not a Clash fan, you should find it fascinating.

"He was an extraordinary man and so genuine. He acted in the complete opposite way to a star. He made mistakes, sure, but he had a passion for being creative and upfront and that's what we hope will come across. I hope people come away feeling inspired and positive."

This is the world premiere of the Brighton Theatre Events show, after which it will go to the Edinburgh Festival.

Starts 8pm, tickets £7. Call 01273 647100.