A MUSICAL theatre company is preparing to stage a completely original production which it hopes to be able to sell to other amateur dramatic groups.

Richmond Operatic Society (ROS) chairman John Holliday wrote the musical The Nativity Saga, which draws on experiences of being part of many amateur dramatic productions.

He said: "Every now and then we have to do low cost shows and this one was my brainwave.

"The costs of rights to a show can be upwards of £2,000, but a big name does draw the crowds.

"We hope that people who enjoy our shows will come and see it, and also, with copyright pending on the script, the aim is that the premiere of the show will generate interest from other amateur groups who will then hire the package to perform at their own venues."

Mr Holliday said The Nativity Saga has been inspired by productions such as The Play That Goes Wrong, and tells the story of a local amateur groups attempts to put on the nativity story.

He said: "Unfortunately in their attempts they encounter the problems that every amateur group faces: inconsistent cast members, ropey scenery, haphazard costumes, relationship issues with the cast members and wrapped around a bunch of musical theatre divas.

"We got some members of ROS together so it was a working production. We worked out the music with the musical director, and how it would all fit together.

"We used a great selection of well-known hits from The Proclaimers through to O Holy Night, from Natalie Imbruglia to The Pogues.

"Mixing in Christmas number ones, rewritten classics and finishing with a hit from the Greatest Showman film, it is a really fun production.

Mr Holliday said the cast were looking forward to performing in Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal, where many have tread the boards many times before.

He added: "We have around 20 new cast members who are young and talented – their singing is incredible.

"They tasked me with coming up with this original show and it has been around a year in the making.

"It is a very funny show and rehearsals have been brilliant, so the audience are promised a great time."

The Nativity Saga runs from Wednesday, November 14 to Saturday, November 17, at the Georgian Theatre Royal at 7.30pm.

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01748-825252 or at www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.