As recently reported Saundersfoot Footlights are busy rehearsing for their next production. Rose’s Garden is another brand-new script from director Allison Butler and follows on from their last original show, Pingleford Players Proudly Present, which won the 2017 NODA Award for Best Musical.

This new show focuses on Rose, an elderly lady who reluctantly admits she can’t cope on her own and moves into Cedar View Care Home. Here you’ll meet a whole host of characters, including the delightfully eccentric Beattie and her dour sister, Maud. Theres Enid, mischievous Bert with his side-kick Arnie, and hopeless snob Charles, whose only hope is that the new arrival will bring some much-needed class to the residence.

Of course, as in all good stories, things aren’t always as they seem, and you’ll soon realise that the central character has a secret buried in her past, but we also find that carers Tom and Emma too are hiding something. This really is a heart-warming tale about a clandestine past, a lost love and how true friendship can change your life.

As with every Footlights show, music and dance help to tell the story and Rose’s Gardem is peppered throughout with wonderful songs from the West End and Broadway, brought to life by musical director Clive Raymond and a fabulous live band. Footlights are also delighted that they have been visted by Maggie Patterston, principal of London’s Pineapple Performing Arts School, who is choreographing the first act showstopper, so this is not to be missed.

Director Allison Butler said: “Producing an original show is a challenge. There are no other versions to refer to, so it can be quite scary at the start of the creative process. We’re very fortunate at Footloights to have so many creative and imaginative people, that very quickly, my rough script starts to take shape, our amazing cast begin to mould their characters and the names on the pages start to become real people. Our set design team and costume department are bringing Cedar View Care Home to life and then the whole thing is tied together with perfectly chosen music to really help tell the story. We’re very proud of our home-grown musicals and are excited to share Rose’s Garden with everyone.”

It will be performed at the Regency Hall, Saundersfoot, during Spring Bank Holiday week, Monday, May 27, to Saturday, June 1, at 7.30 pm. Tickets at £10 are available now on line at www.saundersfootamdram.co.uk and during May will be on sale at local outlets.