Dirty Rotten Scoundrels from Cannock Chase Drama Society set to open

Cannock Chase Drama Society, which started in 1945 and now puts on three productions a year, will take to the stage at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock for opening night tonight – with performances also lined up for Friday and Saturday night.

The show, a musical comedy based on con artists wheeling and dealing on the French Riviera, and written by Jeffrey Lane, is the perfect opportunity for talented members of the society to show what they can do.

Director Julie Hunter said: "We are all very excited now, we have been in rehearsals since February so we are just eager to get going.

"Everything is in place, everyone knows what they have to do and there is a sense of nervous excitement throughout the group.

"Often it is the case that that special kind of nervous energy is what brings out the best in you as a performer so fingers crossed that will be the case."

The groups last performance saw members tackle Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates as its pantomime, performing to huge crowds.

This time around, they will be performing with a full orchestra against a specially designed backdrop.

Julie said: "We are really looking forward to performing with an orchestra, that will take the songs up a few notches. Having this new backdrop made will also add that little professional edge to things, so we really can't wait to get going.

"We still have a few tickets left for each of the nights, so I would encourage anyone to come down."

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is at the theatre tonight, with doors opening at 7.30pm and tickets costing £14.