ONE of Gwent's leading theatre companies is again bringing another first for audiences in Newport.

Over the years the New Venture Players have presented for Gwent theatre-goers, smash hit musicals including West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Game and Annie, to name just a few. Their next production, later this month, is penned by one of the world's most famous singer/songwriters, Barry Manilow.

Barry Manilow's Copacabana is a captivating tale of love and romance set amidst the swinging nightclub of the 1940s. Following 18 months of sold-out performances in London's West End the show toured. Now for the first time it has been released for amateur companies and receives its Gwent premiere at the Dolman Theatre in Newport from March 18 for six performances only.

Copacabana is costing the New Venture Players around £20,000 to stage, with the costumes alone costing in the region of £6,000 and being specially made for the company by Kevin Darby. A man well known in the theatre world for his extravagant, flamboyant, and glamorous creations.

Director of Copacabana Gordon Collins said: "We are spending so much money on this production, as it calls for it. There is no way that you can present a musical like this by cutting corners - and we certainly aren't doing that."

The show has a cast of over 35 and is backed by a professional orchestra, helping them belt out those Barry Manilow tunes including Sweet Heaven, Man Wanted, and of course that ever famous Copacabana.

Tickets at £6.50/£7/£7.50 are available by calling in person to the Visitors Centre of the Newport Library, John Frost Square in Newport or by calling the tickets secretary Jan Tasker on 01633 854562.