MEMBERS of a Johnstone drama group are hoping their first production in two years can help to lift spirits during the Covid pandemic.

The festive fun had to be scrapped last year as the virus led to strict lockdown rules.

However, Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group (JPTG) will now be entertaining audiences next month with their new production A Not So Silent Night.

The drama group will stage two performances of their Christmas concert at the old Johnstone Baptist Church in Walkinshaw Street.

Anne Marie Murdoch, committee member of JPTG, told The Gazette: "We are usually in Johnstone Town Hall, but because it is being used as a vaccine centre, we've been unable to use it since last year.

"It's going to be Christmas concert this time rather than a pantomime, but there will be many songs that are performed, some audience participation and a bit of acting.

"We've been desperate to do something, so everyone is super excited at being able to get the chance to perform again."

The Gazette: Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group's last public performance was Alice in Pantoland in 2019Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group's last public performance was Alice in Pantoland in 2019

JPTG was forced to scrap its production of Ghost in spring last year, and continued lockdown restrictions meant their production of Jack and the Beanstalk also had to be cancelled last Christmas.

As a result, this will be the group's first public performance since their Alice in Pantoland show in December 2019.

Anne said: "We are a charity and our big shows bring in a lot of our income, so we're so grateful to be able to start performing again.

"When you hear the group singing together again, it just sounds fabulous and you think, 'Here we are, we're back.'

"A lot of people in our group have been here for over 20 years, but there are also new members who have been in youth theatres, so performing is in their blood.

"We will have fabulous music and performers, so I would encourage people to come along to our concert for some Christmas cheer, which I think we are all needing."

There will be performances at 7.30pm on Friday, December 3, and Saturday, December 4.

Tickets cost £10 and can be booked by calling 07748 827 727 or emailing johnstonephoenix@gmail.com.

For a chance to win two tickets to one of the performances, send your name, contact number and preferred performance date to the above email address.

The winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, November 23 and notified as soon as possible.