A FESTIVE feel-good romantic comedy about love in later life is coming to a stage in the county town.

Dorchester Arts, the arts organisation and registered charity, is staging a special Christmas fundraiser, with the premiere of This Christmas.

Also touching upon regret and possibly redemption, This Christmas is written by local writers James Cuthill and Vince Jones.

With a cast full of local acting talent, the play is directed by co-writer Vince, with assistance from professional actress Sue Wylie (Kinetics).

Rehearsals have been taking place since September, and have involved several Christmas trees, numerous suitcases, and lots of mince pies.

Vince said: “We have a classic Christmas story of family, internet dating mistakes, regrets, and the possibility of redemption.

"It's being brought to life by a fantastic cast of local acting talent, that includes a GP, a hairdresser, a cafe owner and an accountant!

"We hope to raise as much money as possible for Dorchester Arts, the fantastic charity that puts on so much comedy, theatre and music in Dorchester.”

James said: "Writing the play was great fun, and we haven't stopped laughing in rehearsals either!

"We hope that everyone who comes to see it goes away with that warm festive glow that only happens at Christmas."

James and Vince have previously written and staged Tipping Point that raised money for Dorchester Arts and Dorset children's hospice Julia’s House. Their plays have been staged by other groups around the country.

This Christmas is at The Corn Exchange, Dorchester, on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17.

It will be performed at 7.30pm on both dates and there is an extra 2.30pm matinee performance on Saturday, December 16.

Tickets are available at www.dorchesterarts.org.uk or by telephone on 01305 266926.

They cost £14 for adults and £12 for members/concessions.