AN AMATEUR theatre company is searching for Jewish prayer shawls, yamakas, and other items to use as props and costume for an upcoming production of Diary of Anne Frank.

Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society (RADS) is staging the World War II-based drama production from March 20 to 22 in the town’s Georgian Theatre Royal – but still needs some help with finding convincing artefacts and some advice on the Jewish culture.

Director Lynne Kerr said although she is familiar with Jewish traditions and culture, she is not an expert so is looking for someone with a greater knowledge to help out with some of the finer details.

She said: “We are also looking for yamakas, or skull caps, and prayer shawls, as well as 1930s items including a radio from that era and an ordinary leather satchel in a back-pack style.

“A lot of other props we can make or alter but with those we really want to get the right look.”

Taking the lead role of Anne Frank, Richmond Sixth Form student Freya Mawhinney, 17, said she was excited to take on the challenging role.

She said:“I had read excerpts of the diary before so I had an idea about her story and how difficult it was for her to grow into a teenager in such a confined space.

“It is a really beautiful adaptation; some of it is really funny and the family have a light-hearted lifestyle in such an abnormal situation.”

Anyone with items to donate to RADS can contact lynne.kerr@hotmail.co.uk. For tickets contact the theatre box office on 01748-825252.