A YOUTH theatre group is gearing up for its next show at Witham Public Hall.

Witham Operatic Workshop will be putting on a number of productions of Legally Blonde at the Collingwood Road venue throughout half-term week.

The group, which is made up of talented amateur stage performers aged between 11 and 21, is part of the popular Witham Amateur Operatic Society and has performed at a number of top venues around the country since it was first set up in 1996.

The upcoming show Legally Blonde is based on the original novel written by Amanda Brown and film with the same name which was released in 2001.

It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who is left heartbroken when her high-flying boyfriend Warner leaves her for a 'smarter' girl to help with his aspirations to become a politician.

A determined Elle follows Warner to Harvard Law school where she enrols in a bid to prove a point to her once dream man.

Before long, Elle realises there is more to her mission than point scoring, and discovers she can use her knowledge of the law to help others.

So inevitably she ends up as a defence lawyer for exercise queen Brooke Wyndham, who is put on trial for murder.

What could possibly go wrong?

Music and lyrics used throughout the performance have been written by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, while much of the script has been written by Heather Hachs.

The show takes place on consecutive nights between Monday, February 17 and Friday, February 21, starting at 7.30pm.

There will also be a matinee show the following Saturday which begins at 2.30pm.

Tickets range in price from £12.50 to £15 but concessions are available.

To book, head to the visitor information centre at Witham Town Hall or contact 0300 201 0080.

Witham Operatic Workshop says new members are always welcomed and can take part in upcoming spring and summer workshops.

For more information, visit wow.org.uk.