REHEARSALS are in full swing for a fast-paced comedy being staged in Manningtree.

Alison Baker is directing her first theatre play called Ladies' Day at the Manifest Theatre.

Alison was a child performer at the theatre and won the best actress award from The North Essex Theatre Guild for her performance in Role Play in 2015.

Ladies' Day, a comedy written by Amanda Whittington, follows the story of four women who go to the races and have a flutter.

A Manifest Theatre spokesman said: "Work, love and life are just one long, hard slog for the fish-filleting foursome Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda.

"But their fortunes are set to change when they go to Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot the year it relocated to York.

"Out go the hairnets, overalls and wellies as the four ditch the fish, get dolled up to the nines and head off to the races for a drink, a flirt and a flutter.

"Will their luck hold and their dreams come true or are they backing losers?"

The show is taking place from Tuesday, February 19 until Saturday, February 23.

For tickets visit manifesttheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 07444 724 271.