CHRISTMAS is coming to the Wellesley Theatre in Wellington in a new show being staged at the start of next month.

‘Christmas at the Wellesley’ is produced by Wellington Arts Association, led by Nancy Powell-Brace, and is born out of Nancy’s love for Christmas music, readings and poetry.

It will be performed on Sunday, December 3, the first Sunday in Advent and the weekend of the new Christmas lights being switched on in Wellington.

The arts association is producing the evening, allowing Nancy to use its lighting and sound technicians, and its front of house team.

Twelve groups have so far said they will take part with the show featuring Christmas readings given by Wellington Theatre Company members, dance provided by TFA, solos and duets, Genesis Youth Theatre, Stage Right, Wellington Pantomime Group, Court Fields School, Uffculme School, the Operatic Society Touring Group, and community carols led by Wiveliscombe Town Band.

Estate agent Wilkie May and Tuckwood and Carlypress in Wellington have financed the design and printing of posters, programmes and tickets.

In consultation with the arts association’s management committee it was decided to donate all the money raised to improving Wellington’s Christmas lights. This was before the town council announced plans to have new lights this year. How the funds raised can enhance the lights will be decided after the event and in consultation with the arts association management committee.

The grand finale of the evening will see the cast and audience sing ‘I Saw Three Ships’. This will be an arrangement of the carol written by the late composer John Gardner as a Christmas card to Nancy’s father in the 1960s. The pair were great friends and John would often send her father musical arrangements as Christmas cards/presents.

Tickets for the Christmas show are priced £5 and are on sale at Odette’s Tearoom in Wellington High Street.