AFTER the success of the winter show, preparations are well under way for a summer extravaganza in West Howe.

As reported in the Daily Echo, residents put on their first-ever community panto – Once Upon a Time in West Howe – at the Henry Brown Youth Centre last year and at the start of this year, with shows in November and January.

The aim was to garner community spirit and a feel-good atmosphere in what is often seen as a deprived part of Bournemouth.

Such was its success with both those taking part and the wider community that planning and rehearsals are now getting going for a summer production – with people being urged to get involved.

As with the first production that the group put together, members of the project, delivered by West Howe Community Enterprises, have written the script themselves.

The story is based on the characters from the popular musicals Annie, Oliver and Mary Poppins – all set against the backdrop of West Howe – and the show is planned to be performed in August this year.

West Howe Community Enterprises was set up in 2009 to enable positive change and create opportunities for people in West Howe.

It is behind the Inspiring Change shop in the area as well.

Diane Humphries, who is the project manager, said people were looking forward to the new show.

“The panto was really well-received and continued funding from the Big Lottery Awards for All means we are all excited to be putting on our second production.

“The idea is to give everybody the opportunity to join in, make new friends and it’s great to see people of all ages working together to put on something special in their local community,” she added.

The group is looking for people who would like to take part in the second production in a variety of roles.

There will be a host of opportunities available, both on stage and behind the scenes.

They include acting, dancing and making scenery and costumes, through to those who would like to help at front of house during the shows.

The next workshops will take place on Wednesday, April 8, between 10am and 4pm at the Henry Brown Youth Centre in Cunningham Crescent.

All are welcome to go along and young people aged between eight and 25 can gain an arts award qualification by taking part.

To find out more, call the Inspiring Change shop on 01202 570077 or email admin@westhowe.net For more information on West Howe Community Enterprises in general, visit westhowe.net