THE summer holiday atmosphere will be returning to North Tawton on Saturday when a brand new play called 'Sandcastles' takes to the stage.

Play goers will be transported to an environment of sun, sea and sand and waiters and waitresses will be on hand serving the margaritas!

ANTS (Actors of North Tawton) are taking part in BT Biennial 2000, one of the bigger amateur dramatic festivals in the UK and a major celebration of community theatre.

The group is one of 90 across the UK premiering a new play by one of the country's top TV and theatre writer Bob Larbey who co-wrote smash hit sit coms 'The Good Life', 'A Fine Romance' and more recently 'As Time Goes By.'

ANTS have been working hard in rehearsals throughout the summer in preparation for Biennial Week which runs from 14-21 October. Performances in the town hall will be on October 14, October 20 and 21.

BT Biennial, now in its fifth cycle, was originally designed to encourage amateur dramatic societies to perform new works and develop membership and audience. Over the years hundreds of groups have taken part across the UK and the initiative has created a legacy of six new plays.

'Sandcastles' is about chaos on a British beach and is full of strong characters.

Secretary of ANTS Janine Warre said it had been a challenge taking on a new play but now most of the hard work had been done the cast were really beginning to enjoy it.

'The play is absolutely hilarious and we have been in stitches,' she said. 'You can tell it has been written by someone who knows how to write modern style comedy and the TV ideas are coming through — it is very visual as well.'

The audience will be sitting at tables, cabaret style, and if they fancy a drink all they have to do is click their fingers and waiting staff decked out in beachwear will arrive. The bar will be available all evening.

The performing rights, publicity material and raffle prizes on the night have been paid for by BT and the money raised from the raffle will go to ANTS to meet the costs incurred from putting on the play.

The first prize in the raffle is dinner for four at the top of the BT Tower in London but there are a total of 60 prizes.

Tickets for the performances, priced at £2.50 and £1.50, are available from North Tawton Stores, the town's dental surgery or ring 01837 82572.