AUDITIONS for the first production by a new East Cornwall drama group are due to take place next week.

Members of of Gunnislake Amateur Dramatics (GLAD) met their new professional theatrical director Mark Seaman for the first time last week.

Mark, who has a long career history of involvement with the professional theatre, has recently moved to Plymouth. He and his wife are friends of GLAD committee member Lorna Baker.

Mark is an award winning BBC presenter and producer, an experienced actor, playwright/scriptwriter and director who also has long experience of playing in, and directing, professional pantomines.

GLAD, under Mark's direction, is going to perform 'Babes in the Wood' in Gunnislake during February 2012 — the original script that will be used for this production has been written by Mark and has just been published for general theatre use.

Glad's performances next February will be the first time this new script will have been performed worldwide.

On Tuesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 22  at the Gunnislake Public Hall, Mark will be holding auditions from 7pm for actors to perform both leading parts and chorus.

Everyone, even if they have never performed on the stage before, is invited to come to these auditions and try their skills — GLAD wishes to stress there are opportunities for leading roles as well as well as performing in the chorus — all ages are needed, so all are welcome GLAD is also still looking for additional local people to do back stage work to support the cast, help build and paint the sets, search out stage props, sell tickets, alter costumes/make, provide catering for both the cast and audience and also general tasks. For more information call Mark on 07892 864607 or email Mary at [email protected]">[email protected]