REHEARSALS for the Jill Woods theatre company production of Dracula Spectacula are now in full swing.

"The cast are having a wonderful time rehearsing," said Jill, "and they're really looking forward to the opening night."

Cast members Alex Farrow (Dracula), Ruth Lewis (Countess Wraithe, Dracula's lunatic mother) and Joe Yate Round (Genghis, Dracula's retainer) can be seen in the above photograph rehearsing one of the zany musical's battiest scenes.

"They are about to embark on their plan to formulate a potion that will grant them eternal life," said Jill. "This potion, when drunk, causes the drinker to explode into song, surrounded by dry ice, wonderfully corny puns, dry ice and outlandish costume changes."

For Alex Farrow, playing Dracula is a major step up in his involvement in the Jill Woods theatre company.

"It's his first major role," said Jill. "He's been a member for eight years, learning the craft and appearing in many small roles."

Farrow maintains a hectic lifestyle - when not appearing in shows, he sits on the Stroud District youth council and was, until recently, Stroud's Youth MP. Later in the year he will be going to Sri Lanka to help in a school building project.

"He's putting the same amount of energy and enthusiasm into his role as Dracula as he does into everything," said Jill.

Dracula Spectacula is sponsored by the Stroud News and Journal and all proceeds go to the CLIC cancer charity. It takes place at the Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud between Monday, November 7 and Saturday, November 12 at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

*Tickets are available from the Stroud tourist information office.