A NEW theatre group has launched in Cheltenham.

Deep End Theatre Company is the result of a merger of two well-known amateur groups - Board-Walkers and The Hatherley Players.

Both these groups have had a string of successful productions in recent years which have won awards from the Gloucestershire Drama Association, most recently best play and best actor for 2004 and 2005.

Deep End Theatre Company is resident at The Playhouse Theatre which once housed a public swimming bath - the remains of which are beneath the auditorium today - and is the basis for the new group's name.

The new company will draw on the skill and talent of both groups and already has its next production planned.

This will be Son of Man by Dennis Potter, a controversial portrayal of the life of Christ from his coming out of the wilderness to the crucifixion. This will be staged at The Playhouse in March 2006.

The chairman of Deep End Theatre Company, Rod Holliman, said at the inaugural party : "This is an exciting time and we are all looking forward to bringing challenging and thought provoking productions to the stage of The Playhouse Theatre.'

s Company members at the launch party.