GET the festive spirit early on with the latest production by Dorchester Drama.

The successful acting company, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this summer, is staging a wonderful adaptation of Alan Ayckbourne’s Life And Beth next week.

The play, which is being staged on November 21, 22 and 23, is directed by professional actors Paul Lawless and Richelle Khan and stars a host of regular and new names.

It is Christmas, and Beth Timms is mourning the recent death of her health and safety officer husband, Gordon. Beth’s sister-in-law Connie and son Martin have come to stay, determined to ensure that she should have a stress-free Christmas.

But between Connie’s drinking problem and Martin’s unspeaking and emotionally volatile girlfriend Ella, their intentions prove to be short-lived. Only David, the local vicar, provides Beth with any comfort – but when he says a prayer for her bereavement he unwittingly summons an unwelcome visitor.

Cast members include regulars Stella Hollis as Beth, Nick Heape as Gordon and Sarah Hayes as Connie. The group is always keen for new members and is delighted to welcome three newcomers to the group, Ashley Newman, Tony Atkins and Katherine Kennet. Emma Follis and Sam Kelly make up the remainder of the cast.

Chairman Anne Reeve said: “We are very excited to have local professional actors Paul Lawless and Richelle Khan co-directing the production. They have brought a lot of enthusiasm, commitment and fun to the show and this will be a lovely way to start the festive period.”

Paul said: “We are in the thick of it at the moment, having rehearsals and production and lighting meetings and pulling together all the various aspects of the show, but it’s really good and a brilliant production to be doing at this time of year.

“The show has comedy and lightness and can cheer people up, but it is also moving and is about loss, dealing with loss and accepting loss, which a lot of people can relate to. At a time like Christmas when family units get together it is lovely for some people and it contributes to family life, but for others it can be more difficult because they are dealing with bereavement.”

He added: “I’m really enjoying working with Dorchester Drama. The cast are really enthusiastic and often come to me with little back-stories for their characters and it all adds to the overall success of the play.”

Life and Beth is at Sunninghill Community Hall in Culliford Road, Dorchester on November 21, 22 and 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 (or £5 for u18s and students) from Trinity Stores or box office 01305 889202.