A BONKERS Halesowen theatre group is hoping to qualify for the All England Theatre Festival by winning the Worcestershire Theatre Festival next weekend.

Mayhem Theatre Group is entering a brand new play John L Never Dies into the festival which tells the story of a mythical interview with a tribute act to Beatles legend John Lennon.

Mayhem will be battling it out with 10 other theatres societies for the top prize including the New Kinver Players, Stourbridge Theatre Group, Blakedown's Theatre 282 and Wordsley Amateur Dramatic Society.

Mark Moran, founder of Mayhem, said: "We are really looking forward to the competition next week especially as it is against our local rivals.

"The festival is really special and shows the strength in depth this part of the world has in amateur dramatics and storytelling."

He added: "The play is about Davey Kay, a music journalist interviews John Lennon from "The Pre Fab Four", a Beatles tribute band after their gig at a local music venue.

"Davey is somewhat starstruck during the interview and seem to actually believe that the man he is interviewing really is John Lennon. Is he really a journalist, or is there something more sinister and dangerous about him lurking under the surface?"

He added: "And we even have managed to shoehorn a mention of the Halesowen News in there to keep it relevant."

The festival will take place at the Norbury Theatre, Droitwich a week on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23.

Mark said: "As well as the plays themselves which represent excellent value for money at £6 per session the winning trophies will be presented by "Doreen" aka actress GIll Jordan from Doreen's story.