A small village occupied by evil dictators is at the centre of a play at Holy Trinity Hall.

A cast of 15 five to 11-year-old children from the Malvern-based Jane Lush Drama School are performing a Christmas play at 5.45pm today (Friday) and have chosen to go against the grain of the traditional Christmas production.

The village of Dimandal has been under the oppressive control of two evil forces for many years. The women are segregated from the men and are ruled over by a wicked queen, while the men suffer at the hands of an evil wizard.

The people are poor and hungry, until one day two of the villagers reveal that they are not who they appear to be, and they intend to fight against the evil dictators.

Mrs Lush said: "The play has been devised entirely by the children, and has a distinctly medieval theme, perhaps inspired by Lord of the Rings. It is exciting and unusual and anyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the action."

The drama school, based at Holy Trinity Church Hall, has been running for seven years and meets every Friday at 4.30pm. Mrs Lush, who teaches drama at Hereford Royal College for the Blind, said: "New members are always welcome to join us, just come along on Friday."

For further information, call Jane Lush on 01684 574152.