Bourne Footlights in rehearsal for 2025 production at Bourne Corn Exchange

An amateur dramatic group is hoping to emulate last year’s record audience figures after beginning rehearsals for its latest production.

Bourne Footlights are in rehearsals, in Dyke, for Cheshire Cats, following their smash-hit performances of Blue Blood Still Runs Red last autumn.

It tells the story of five friends - Vicky, Maggie, Hilary, Siobhan and Yvonne - as they take part in the London Moonwalk to raise money for breast cancer charities.

The play tells a tale of friendship and family, of love, laughter and loss, as the five friends complete the walk, each for their own differing reasons.

The parts are played by Lynn Kirk, Blanche Robinson, Mandi Wood, Vic Boothby, and Neena Quinlan who recognise themselves in the parts - variously caring, competitive, bossy, vivacious, fun, loud, sweet, and socially awkward.

“All of these traits are found in the five ladies, and indeed the personalities of the actresses playing them,” said director Michael Hughes.

“Anyone who has ever taken part in a charity walk like the Moonwalk will recognise themselves in the characters.

“Hilary is the leader, dealing with her own loss, Siobhan is the caring one, Vicky is the divorcee, out on the prowl and out for a good time, Yvonne is the hard-pressed mother, and Maggie is a people-pleaser.”

To find out how the five women get on, and who they meet on their Moonwalk, performances will be at Bourne Corn Exchange from Wednesday to Friday, June 4 and 6.

Tickets will go on sale in May from the Bourne Bookshop (cash only) and online from www.bournecornexchange.com/