A POPULAR drama group is aiming to take the stage with its latest production after only a week of rehearsal.

The Durham Youth Musical Theatre Company, which attracts young talent from all over the county, is staging the musical comedy The Little Shop of Horrors at Spennymoor Town Hall, from Thursday to Saturday, August 23 to 25.

The group is holding auditions next Tuesday at the town hall, and will begin intensive rehearsals the following day.

Anyone aged eight to 21 is welcome to take part and everyone is guaranteed at least a place in the chorus.

A company spokeswoman said: "We staged Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat at Durham Johnston School in April and it was a big success. We can't get the school this time because it is already booked, so we are using Spennymoor Town Hall.

"We need a cast of at least 70 people. Everybody who turns up takes part. Nobody is turned away.''

The auditions for the show will start at 10am. Everyone who takes part in the production will be charged £5.

The show, which will be produced and directed by David Galloway, will start at 7.30pm.

Tickets, costing £4, are available on (07967) 739369.