RIVERSIDE Drama Company's next production will be the UK amateur premiere of 'The Morris'- a hilarious and powerful play about friendship, motherhood and pompoms!

This will be staged at the Devonshire Studio, Chatsworth Centre in West Gate, Long Eaton, on Thursday, June 7, until Saturday, June 9, at 7.30pm.

Written by Helen Blakeman, the original professional premiere was at Liverpool's Everyman Theatre in 2004.

Riverside's production has been directed by Martin Holtom and features Philippa Lowe as Jamie Lee, Liz Turner as Lily, Charlotte Lloyd as Margy, Liz O'Hara as Sharon and Donna Chinn as Donna, plus the voice of Emjay Sadler as announcer Big Joan.

The play is set on a sunny day in Prestatyn at the End of Season Championships.

Our Lady All Angels' Morris Dancing Troupe are fluffing up their shakers, whitening their pumps and sizing up the competition.

As defending champions, Lily's troupe are attempting to retain their title, something never accomplished before. But are other teams prepared to go any length to win the championship?

Could this year's cup go to The Wigan Pierettes or even the Halton Hi-Lites?

As the afternoon wears on it's more than their dance routine that's put to the test as Lily and her troupe prepare for the contest of their lives.

The play contains strong language that some may find offensive.

Tickets are available from the Devonshire Studio coffee mornings, Saturdays 10am until 12noon, Heaps Stationers, Main Street, Long Eaton, online at www.riversidedrama.com or by phoning 07793 765721 to reserve tickets on the door. Tickets can also be bought on the door. For more on the group, log on to www.riversidedrama. com.