A new theatre group for young people will be set-up in Dovercourt.

It is hoped Fun and Musical Expression (Fame) will be running from July for children aged between eight and 18-years-old.

The idea was a collaboration between primary school teacher Lisa Gridley and Paul Kusel, a semi-professional opera singer.

Mrs Gridley, 34, of Artillery Drive, Dovercourt, said: "We both come from a performing background and have young children so we decided to look to set up something in the town like a theatre group, which can help children in performing arts.

"It's something we've been looking at since October and now we've got together a committee and are hoping we'll be able to stage our first production at Christmas."

She said the group, which will meet on Saturday mornings at Long Meadows Community Centre, would be involved with acting, singing and dancing.

Fame has been given £500 by Harwich Town Council to help get it started and has applied for a £5,000 grant from Lotto's Awards For All cashpot.

The theatre group will be non-profit making and children will pay a £2 fee each week to cover refreshments and the cost of productions.

An open day for registration and information will be held at the Long Meadows centre on June 21 between 10am and noon.

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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