THERE was summer loving at a city pub as performers took to the stage.

Chestnut Theatre Company entertained 200 punters with two sold-out performances of the 1971 musical Grease.

The cast of 14 actors who all have learning disabilities and six volunteers had spent eight months learning their lines and making props ahead of the show.

It was the first performance Chestnut Theatre Company had put on since it was founded by Daisy Searle last autumn.

The company was initially made up of budding actors from Way Ahead Leisure Pursuits, a day centre for young adults with disabilities which runs Mondays to Fridays in Millbrook, Woolston and Shirley Warren.

The team began with confidence building workshops that helped boost their acting skills. The theatre group opened its doors to members of other day centres before beginning rehearsals earlier this year.

Leading actor Richard Kelly, 33, from Millbrook who played Danny, said: "It's been fantastic. I joined the theatre group because it was a chance to learn new skills and try new things.

"I've not done a massive show like Grease before so it's a new thing for me."

Now the group has already got to work planning their Christmas show.