A THEATRE group is celebrating a remarkable recovery just nine months after it was nearly forced to disband.

Wistaston Players are currently putting the finishing touches to preparations for their first performance since the dark days of last summer.

The group was almost forced to disband last June due to a lack of interest - but one final plea for support saved the day.

Gym and Tonic, a riotous comedy set in a health spa, is the culmination of the group's hard work since last autumn.

The production's director, Sue Humphreys, was one of the group's new recruits following last year's appeal.

She said: "The group was more or less dead when they put out a final plea for members last autumn.

"I believe they were looking at winding the group up and were thinking about which charities should get their remaining funding when they made a final appeal for members.

"Since then, at least five new actors have come on board, and things are really going to grow from here.

"A lot of local people are involved in the group, and it's a great way of uniting the community."

Around 20 Wistonians are involved in the production, including a student, beautician and a performing arts graduate.

The lead role is being played by Nigel Peever, a professional actor who has held minor roles in Coronation Street and the current series of Dr Who.

Peever plays the role of Don Weston, who joins a health spa on his 40th birthday to avoid the stresses of work.

Don hopes the spa will help him to relax and rebuild his marriage to wife Shirley, but his week takes him from one disaster to the next.

Mrs Humphreys, who has previously directed in Switzerland and Hong Kong, said the play was suitable for almost every adult, and handled marriage, relationships and mid-life crises in a humorous and dramatic way.

Gym and Tonic is a three-night production at St Mary's Church Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston, from April 14 to 16.

The performances begin at 7.30pm, and tickets, costing £5, can be bought on the door, or in advance at Nantwich TIC and Crewe Library.

amorrison@guardiangrp.co.uk