SEX and rock 'n' roll have been on the menu for students at University College Worcester - but don't worry it's not for real and is all in the name of theatre.

Drama students at University College Worcester have been limbering up to take to the stage and star in their own performance of Once A Catholic.

The comedy, by Mary O' Malley, follows the lives of schoolgirls Mary McGinty and her friends from class 5A, as they discover that there is more to life than exams.

The girls become desperate to experience life and seek adventures outside the walls of their school, Our Lady of Fatima Convent. Set in the 1950's, the play explores the girls' struggle to challenge authority, to gain independence and to find their way in the world.

And to prepare for the role, the cast of second year students at UCW have been taking jive lessons from Evesham-based dance teacher, Charles Seal.

Roy Pierce-Jones, Senior Drama Lecturer and the play's Director, said the work, first performed in 1977, was a 'wonderfully funny and affectionate comedy'.

"While we are enjoying rehearsing a good-natured comedy we have also discovered more in the play that reflects upon issues of growing up," he said.

"The attention in this play is centred on young women before the days of feminism, trying to gain their own independence."

Performances, at UCW's drama studio on its Henwick Road campus in St John's, Worcester, will take place on Wednesday, May 11 at 7.30pm, Thursday, May 12 at 2pm and 7.30pm, Friday, May 13 at 2pm and Saturday, May 14 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 concessions and are available from UCW's main reception or by e-mailing your reservation to onceacatholic@fsmail.net