REHEARSALS for Jill Woods Theatre Company's production of Dracula Spectacula are now in their final week. The young cast, pictured, is taking a well-earned re t during rehearsals. They are all excited that they will soon be performing in the theatre. The technical team is also going great guns to give the cast all the backing they need to make a memorable show.

Hundreds of costumes have been either hired or made, with some performers having as many as ten changes. Jill Woods said: "You might expect that a show with Dracula in the title would be dark and sombre, but this is far from the case.

"Our production is full of colour and light. We have really gone to town to provide exciting and exotic costumes for the eyes to feast on."

The unsung heroes - set painters, props, makeup artists, hair stylists, stage managers, dressers, set builders and costume department - without which a production couldn't go ahead are also working their fangs off.

Alex Farrow, who plays Dracula, said: "It's a fantastic part to play. Very funny and tongue in cheek. I've thoroughly enjoyed rehearsing as I have some great performers who I play opposite. We've had a lot of fun, and I know the audience will too. I can't wait for opening night".

Dracula Spectacula is sponsored by Stroud News & Journal and appears at the Cotswold Playhouse, Parliament Street, Stroud from Monday November 7 to Saturday November 12 at 7.30pm, with a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm.

*Tickets, priced £7.50 or £9, are available from the Stroud tourist information office. All proceeds go to the CLIC cancer charity.