TO be or not to be... that was the question for budding actors in Dovercourt.

But taking a leap they left entertainment group, the Harcourt Players, and launched their own theatre club.

Dovercourt Theatre Group rehearsed and performed at the Squirrels Sports and Social Club, now the Waterfront, with their first show, She’s Done It Again, in 1975.

Margaret Coleman, secretary, said: “We have been lucky to have had so many talented people pass through our doors – not just actors, but those clever souls who have designed and built such wonderful sets and those who have made extraordinary costumes. We have had some very talented directors over the years and some outstanding actors.”

From pantomimes at the Kingsway Hall, to Shakespeare at the Reboubt Fort, the group has a variety of show styles.

Anyone over 16 can join the group, which rehearses on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7.30pm, whether their interest is in acting, directing, stage management or set design.

The group’s next show is a comedy trilogy called Tales of Little Grimley at the studio on July 24 to 28 at 7.30pm.

n To celebrate its 40th birthday, an anniversary tea party is being held on August 3 at the studio from 3pm to 5.30pm.

For more details, call 01255 240626 or e-mail dovercourttheatregroup@yahoo.co.uk