JOANNA Milborne and her friend Sam Walton are seeking support for a theatre production they hope will raise £10,000 for charity.

Joanna, the head of drama at St Nicholas Catholic High School, and Sam, a farmer at Tatton Park, have launched a new theatre group, Salt and Pepper Productions.

The production is supporting the Brain Tumour Charity and Headway, and the new group was inspired by Joanna’s late husband Edward.

They were childhood sweethearts who had drifted apart and were then reunited, but Edward died within four months of their marriage in 2010 after an aneurism burst.

“It was a complete shock, and I have had to learn to live with it - that’s what you do,” said Jo, 37.

“I have always wanted to do something in memory of Edward, and it was Sam who gave me the direction.

“This is the first production from Salt and Pepper Productions - Salt for Northwich and Pepper because it’s spicy,” said Jo.

Jo helps tutor at Stagecoach Performing Arts School and directs/choreographs for many local societies, and has won awards for her work from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association and the Guardian Rose Bowl.

Salt and Pepper make their bow from June 1 to 3 at The Grange Theatre, and the show they have chosen is Rock of Ages, a Broadway and West End jukebox musical hit.

Jo said: “Sam had the idea and I am glad he did - we are aiming for a £10,000 profit, and the whole thing is something of a financial gamble.

“We have to buy the rights to the musical and pay for the set and everything else associated with putting on a show, so are fundraising and looking for sponsors and advertisers.”

Rock of Ages is set in Los Angeles in the 1980s, mixes music, comedy, drama and a love story and features hits of the era such as Final Countdown, Don’t Stop Believin’ and Hit Me With Your Best Shot.

All the profits will be split between Headway and The Brain Tumour Charity. Tickets are available on 01606 539040 or at thegrangetheatre.com