APTLY, Park Players are stepping out with their debut production with Stepping Out.

The fledgling group will find their feet with the popular musical theatre piece, unfolding at the memorial hall in Skewen on February 26, March 3 and March 4 at 7.30pm.

A good-natured comedy, the show chronicles several months in the life of a beginners' dance class. Each of the eight students has their own reason for joining. Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman and a former Ovaltinie dancer, is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, to relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps.

This is the first time Skewen has had its own theatrical group since the 1980s. Geraldine Davies, from the group, says: "There is no doubt a real need for live drama and entertainment here in Skewen.

"With the closure of so many public houses, the never-ending increase in petrol costs and with bus transport few and far between, we feel the time is now right for putting on a production for the people of Skewen.

"It would offer them a night at the theatre to lift their spirits, an opportunity to meet their friends."