The couple at the centre of an internet baby adoption row are taking to the theatre to defend their reputation.

Alan and Judith Kilshaw say their sell-out performance on Friday night is an attempt to clear their names and set the record straight.

The "Meet the Kilshaws" show at Chester's Gateway Theatre has attracted a full house, with 120 people paying �8 for a ticket.

It's the only way we know of getting the truth out

Alan Kilshaw

The Kilshaws first hit the headlines 20 months ago, when they tried to adopt baby girls from the US over the internet for �8,200.

Although Kimberley and Belinda lived with the couple at their north Wales home for a short time, the girls were taken from them by social services and returned to the US last April.

They were vilified by the media for the affair, which attracted worldwide interest.

The couple were later forced to sell their north Wales farmhouse due to mounting legal costs.

Three months ago, Mr Kilshaw was struck off as a solicitor for using clients' money to prop up his overdraft.

The Kilshaws hope Friday's show will enable the public to go along with open minds and judge the couple for themselves, without any media intrusion.

Kimberley and Belinda were returned to the US

Alan Kilshaw told BBC Radio Wales: "It's the only way we know of getting the truth out.

"We tell newspapers the truth and they print lies.

"We feel the only way to get the truth out is to talk to people directly. Then they have a better understanding of what the truth is."

The couple got the idea for the show after seeing a talk in a theatre by disgraced ex-Tory MP Neil Hamilton and his wife Christine.

Judith Kilshaw said the show would be a "bit of everything", although she was keeping the exact bill a secret.

"It's a pity more people can't come to it but we have got another show on 13 October."

Mr Kilshaw added: "We don't mind people giving us a hard time. We want a cross-section of the public there.

"We're hoping to answer questions on any subject. It's not intended to be a lecture on adoption."

The show sold out in three weeks, and has proved so popular there is a waiting list for returns.