A "REAL tonic for the soul" to take people's minds off the depressing world events of recent months is on offer at Kidderminster's Rose Theatre this Christmas.

Resident group The Nonentities are hoping for sell-out audiences after again abandoning their custom of staging a children's play in the festive season.

Instead they will be performing the "hugely entertaining" Victorian melodrama The Murder Of Maria Marten - also known as The Red Barn - which has something for both adults and children.

Audiences are being urged to turn up for the production, which starts a six-night run at the Chester Road North venue on Monday, December 10, in Victorian costume as audience participation plays a large part.

Rose artistic director Liz Cole said: "The word 'melodrama' has taken on associations of bad acting and overcooked stories, but what it really means is a drama with sensational elements designed to stir the emotions.

"That is what we're after - an entertainment that will appeal to people's hearts while providing an engrossing, all-involving storyline."

She added: "We're convinced it will go down a treat because besides the strong plots there are songs and opportunities for the audience to shout their approval or disapproval.

"It's just fun all the way through."

The fast-paced plot features plenty of songs and well known character types including the Victorian cad and the damsel in distress - given a "bouncy treatment" by writer Brian J Burton.

Rose spokeswoman Pat Taft said: "After the depressing autumn events in the world and with cold weather ahead, this production is a real tonic for the soul.

"You will be transported to a world of sweet innocence, virtue under threat and scheming Victorian rogues."

Ticket information is available by calling the Rose Theatre on 01562 743745.