A theatre production group in West Cumbria will be launching their much anticipated Christmas musical this week.

Maryport Amateurs will be showcasing their Christmas production of Scrooge to audiences in Allerdale.

Clark Wilkinson, the show's director, said: "We wanted to come back with a bang. After two years away, we want our audiences to come back to the theatre and forget about what’s going on in the outside world for a couple of hours. Scrooge! is one of those classic musicals that you just get swept up and carried away in the magic of it all."

The show has brand new scenic designs and the ghosts of the three spirits visiting Scrooge on Christmas Eve will be conjured onstage in front of the audience in a range of magical illusions which Clark is hoping will leave the audience mystified.

The company contains twenty actors and is lead by Workington actor Stuart Evans in the title role with Helene Phillips taking the role of Scrooge's business partner, Marley.

Mr Wilkinson added: "There’s about thirteen Illusions in the show ranging from items floating of their own accord to characters vanishing in a split second. It takes a lot of work behind the scenes in order for it all to run smoothly."

Tickets for the show are available now at www.scroogemusical.co.uk.