SIXTH former Lauren Bell is one of a trio of newcomers who are set to make their debuts for the Davenham Players next month.

Lauren is part of a seven-strong cast for the company’s forthcoming production of Moonshine by Jim Nolan, with one of the nights raising funds for St Luke’s Hospice.

Also making their debuts in the players’ latest offering at The Players Theatre, Church Street, Davenham, are Shaun Dunne and Peter Bramall.

The play is being directed by Barbara Crellin, who is a volunteer for the hospice and suggested using the production to support the charity.

Mrs Crellin helps with day care at the hospice every Monday, and works on reception every other Wednesday.

“I thought it would be rather nice for us to raise funds for the hospice,” she said.

Moonshine runs from May 19 to 23, and tickets sales from the Monday performance and a raffle will go to the hospice.

Moonshine is set in a seaside town in Southern Ireland at Easter. McKeever, the undertaker, wants to put on a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare at the local Protestant church, which is under threat of imminent closure due to a decline in its congregation.

“It is a light-hearted play, but there are some serious themes at the heart of it,” said Mrs Crellin.

“Each member of the cast is searching for their own resurrection, and comes to an understanding about their own nature.

“This is the third Irish play I have done. I love the way the Irish write their plays - they are full of humour and almost always have an undertone of sadness about them.”

Philip Perry plays McKeever, and the other roles are taken by Jon Bowen, Jacqui Campuzano and Pam Molloy.

Seventeen-year-old Lauren Bell is in the upper sixth at Sir John Deane’s College.

The play is being produced by Paulette Anderson, and tickets for Moonshine are available by ringing Graham Hough on 831250 or from the Development of the Arts office at Northwich Library.

Anyone who is interested in joining Davenham Players can ring Paulette on 79779.