A long-running amateur dramatics group is hoping to attract budding performers for a show with a difference.

The Sheringham Players, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year, is holding open auditions next month in a bid to attract new members.

It is hoped many of the auditionees will be able to experience performing in short plays in front of an audience at Sheringham Little Theatre on March 21 and 22 next year.

Sheringham Players member Tim Travers, 52, from Edgefield, said: 'We want to include as much local talent as we could and give people an opportunity. The lines will be quick to learn and it will give people an experience of being on stage.

'The idea is to reinvigorate the society. We gave been going for nearly 50 years and age is not a barrier. We are looking for new people to boost our membership. If you want to have a go we will support you.'

The auditions will be held in Hazel's Tea Shop, High Street, Sheringham, on December 2,3 and 4 from 7.30pm.

Anyone can turn up and no previous experience of performing is necessary.

Mr Travers, a retired police officer, added: 'We are trying to make the Sheringham Players more sociable. We want people to come along who want to get involved either on the stage or behind the scenes.'

Social activities they want to increase include quizzes and trips to other theatres.

There are currently about 50 people who are involved with Sheringham Players which puts on three shows a year.

It puts on a variety of performances, including comedies and farces and plays by Sir Alan Ayckbourn and Anton Chekhov.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the Sheringham Players will be putting on a summer show in June next year of On the Razzle by Tom Stoppard.

The play, which will include a cast of about 25, will be produced by June Cooper who has been a member of the Sheringham Players since it began.

During its history the group managed to save the little theatre being closed because of dry rot through a campaign.

For more information about the group call chairman David Bull on 01263 741516 or visit www.sheringhamplayers.org.uk.