A BRAND new theatre company is taking over the stage of the Wycombe Swan with a story of love and laughs.

The New Penny Theatre Company was founded in the spring of 2003 by a group of people who all have a passion for theatre and who want to provide local talented people the opportunity to perforn1 on stage.

Their dream is to become a reality this September when the cast perform the classic song and dance Broadway musical Sweet Charity.

The story centres on Charity Hope Valentine, a dance hall hostess who is looking for her special man. This comic love story includes such show-stopping numbers as Hey Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now and Rhythm of Life.

The show was equally successful on both sides of the Atlantic, winning the Evening Standard Award for Best Musical in 1967.

...We have a large enthusiastic cast eager to perform this huge song and dance musical in a top class venue. It' s our first show and we just can't wait to get on that stage," says show director Jeff Eales.

This is the first of many shows the company have planned.

"We aim to perform a variety of theatrical productions from the large scale musicals to small cast plays, from big concerts to intimate revues, selecting from a wide variety of entertainment, including well-known titles and lesser-known, but worthwhile, works. And what better way to debut than with this fabulous musical," says Lynne Irving from the theatre company.

• Sweet Charity is on at Wycombe Swan from Wednesday, September 17 to Saturday, September 20 at 7.45pm (Thurs & Sat matinee 2.30pm). Tickets cost £11.50 to £14.50. Call the box office on (01494) 512000. For more information on the company, visit http://www.newpenny.co.uk.

• Free time has teamed up with the New Penny Theatre Company to offer one teenage reader the opportunity to win two tickets to see the show on a night of their choice, plus the chance to meet the cast.

To enter, simply send your answer to this question with your name, address and age by August 29 to Sweet Charity Competition, Alice Baton, Bucks Free Press, Gomm Road, High Wycombe HP13 7DW.

In what year did Sweet Charity win the award for best musical?