HOPES of a community theatre production for Sidmouth got a huge boost when residents turned out in force at a special workshop.

HOPES of a community theatre production for Sidmouth got a huge boost when residents turned out in force at a special workshop.

Nineteen people, more than half of whom were newcomers, shared the joys of live performance at Sidford Social Hall on Sunday.

Crosby Chacksfield and the Sidmouth Mummers hope to bolster the cast of their planned community production, Johnny Jack’s War, scribed by Branscombe playwright Peter Wilson and set for the venue in November.

Director Crosby hailed a “very successful and creative session” and said: “I was very pleased and very impressed by the talents of those who did manage to turn up on what was a foul late afternoon.

“The group bonded together very quickly and produced work of a high standard which promises well for a successful production. We worked through various acting skills tasks, both individual and group work, for about an hour.

“After a re-invigorating cup of tea, biscuits and cake, we then sang the choruses and moved with the singing, miming the packing up and outward journey to a ‘trench’ and the return. I gather several more are interested and some couldn’t make it on Sunday because of other commitments.”

Another workshop will take place in the hall on Sunday, January 30, from 4pm to 6pm and anyone is welcome to attend.

A casting workshop will then take place on Sunday, February 27 at the venue.

Johnny Jack’s War charts the opening months of the First World War and its impact on a local rural village. Crosby is on the lookout for as many as 40 performers and hopes to unearth hidden talents.