DRAMA groups from all over Worcestershire are converging on Evesham Arts Centre on Saturday for the Worcestershire Theatre Festival of One Act Plays.

In two sessions, at 1pm and 6.45pm, seven local theatre groups will be joining in, hoping for a place in the first round of the All England Drama Festival which is being staged at the arts centre again on April 23.

Spokesman Don Cook explained: "Many of our well-known professional actors, directors and writers for the theatre started their journey in the amateur theatre. A good festival performance is hard work, rewarding and a valuable learning experience."

He added: "The Worcestershire Theatre Festival team makes sure this happens in a friendly and supportive atmosphere and this includes an appreciative audience, so why not make the festival one of your theatre experiences in April."

Groups signed up for this year's performances are the Evesham Operatic and Dramatic Society, Phoenix Theatre Group, Fairbourne Dodders, Side by Side Theatre Group, Stourbridge Theatre Company, Theatre 282 and Tiggerty Boo.

Tickets are £5 for each of the afternoon and evening sessions or £8 for both. They are available from the Evesham Book Centre in Library Arcade, off Evesham High Street, (01386 45567) or from the arts centre on 01386 48883 during performances on the door.