A script that is 80 pages long, 20 new songs and a line-up of over 150 people - preparations for the new Ledbury mystery play are well under way.

It's a Mystery has its premiere at St Michael and All Angels' Church on Wednesday, March 16, and runs for four nights.

Rehearsals with the producer, Sue Millington-Jones, are now taking place on two nights a week in the church.

Show librettist Eric Pringle has called it "a landmark event in the life of Ledbury, its churches and the whole community".

He said: "Ledbury has a strong sense of civic pride and this community production has brought together members of churches in the Ledbury area, arts groups and schools. Our cast and supporters number over 150 and their ages range from eight to 80 plus!"

There are 15 young singers from Ledbury Primary, including angels, cherubs and one dove.

Mr Pringle, author of the Big George children's books, described the show as a thoroughly modern interpretation of the traditional mystery plays.

Ledbury-based composer John Frith has written the score and many songs have catchy titles, such as State of the Ark. There is even a special Ledbury carol.

The idea for a mystery play came from Ledbury rector, Dr Colin Beevers, whom Mr Pringle described as the show's enthusiastic and committed production manager.

The action goes from The Fall in the Garden of Eden, through to the Flood then on to the New Testament and modern times, on a rollercoaster ride through time.

Mr Pringle said: "It's a Mystery follows the fortunes of teenager, Evie, who is on a quest to discover the meaning of life.

"As she enters the magical World's Fair, she is thrown into the company of the Fairmaster, who appears to be a down-to-earth image of God, Manny, who represents mankind, and also Sate, a devil and the Fair-master's sworn enemy."

Using fairground rides to transport Evie, the Fairmaster gives her a breathtaking whirl through Biblical history.

Tickets go on sale at Ledbury Books and Maps on Tuesday afternoon, February 15 and also on 07854 839834.