TICKETS are now on sale for a community theatre initiative said to be taking the south west by storm.

A production of Dad's Army will be staged by Project Play at Weymouth Pavilion and a further five venues next May.

It will coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day and raising money for the Salisbury-based charity Help For Heroes.

Project Play, now in its third year, brings theatre-loving individuals from six communities together to produce and perform a professionally staged production in their local theatr

Auditions for parts in Dad's Army were held in Weymouth as well as Frome, Yeovil, Wimborne, Chippenham and Burnham-on-Sea to fill iconic roles such as Captain Mainwaring, Sergeant Wilson, Private Pike, Lance Corporal Jones and a host of supporting characters, as well as vital backstage and production crew.

Wimborne auditionees were delighted by a surprise visit from Dale Johnson of the real Dad’s Army - a re-enactment and history group who travel the country giving talks on the Home Guard. Dale brought along his 1933 Austin 7 van complete with Home Guard livery, and stayed to wish everyone good luck and pose for photographs.

Play producer Matthew Rock said: "Project Pay brings communities together through a shared passion for theatre. "Essentially it is a touring play with a different cast at each venue, comprising people from that particular locality. "They have rehearsed together, formed friendships and connections, and been part of an amazing theatrical experience. In addition, there are four other people in towns across the south who are playing exactly the same role as them and having the same experience in their own community - it offers a unique experience to compare notes and go on a shared journey.

"Our development days provide the chance for all our casts to come together, play out scenes to each other and have a lot of fun."

*Dad's Army, Weymouth Pavilion, Monday, May 4 to Thursday, May 7 at 7.30pm. Call the box office for tickets.