STARS of the stage and drama lovers are celebrating as the Ulverston Outsiders theatre group turns 80 this year.

The society was first established in May, 1936 by amateur producer Edith Eckersley when she wanted to expand her small Bardsea drama group.

Membership to the exclusive group was suddenly thrown open to the public at a busy meeting held in Coronation Hall on May 6.

Now the group spans generations with older and younger members acting side by side in diverse productions from Alice in Wonderland to Twelfth night.

Mrs Barbara Springthorpe has been acting with the Outsiders for more than 25-years.

She said: "People are just interested in drama because it's better than watching TV.

"We've got younger and older ones but we are a good team and some of us have been friends for years and we all help out.

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Originally from Newport, South Wales Mrs Springthorpe moved to the area with her husband Bill and was keen to get involved with an amateur dramatics group.

"Everyone is always welcome to come along and see us and we are very friendly and encouraging.

"It's nice to have new members as the public don't want to see the same people in plays all the time," she said.

The group's name stems from their original location, outside the market town and in 1938 their first big production Distinguished Gathering was a hit.

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Now, the society has numerous play readings and productions each month with I hate Hamlet starting in November.

The piece was planned to coincide with the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death and is a comedy about the life of a young actor who living in New York.

Mrs Springthorpe who will be in the production said: "It will be something different and I am really looking forward to it.

"I think it's lovely to see the part unfold on stage- you try to do your best and someone does their best and it moves up a notch.

"It grows when you rehearse and you all spur each other on."

Tickets are not yet on sale, for more information about the Outsiders go to:

http://www.ulverstonoutsiders.org/