A new community ukulele project will launch later this month.

Ukulele Opera will hit the ground running at the Hayloft, East Street on Thursday, January 29 when the organisers are inviting lovers of ukuleles, community creativity and cider to an open evening to hear about ambitious plans to stage Bridport’s ukulele opera later this year.

The Ukulele Opera has a score and script created by composer Andrew Dickson – well known locally for his involvement in the famous Bridport community play ‘The Poor Man’s Friend’. He is also well regarded nationally as the composer behind many of Mike Leigh’s classic movies.

Co-creator Sally Vaughan is also a founding member of the popular Bucky Don’ts ukulele group.

Also involved in the new project is local community dance artist Anna Golding, former Bridport Arts Centre director Chris Huxley and local fundraisers Cleo Evans and Ros Fry.

“This opera is not Covent Garden” said Sally.

“It’s a people’s opera involving all sorts of community groups including local ukulele players, circus performers and even a dog agility group.

“It hopes to raise funds from all over the global ukulele community. Please come and join us at The Hayloft to launch this entertaining extravaganza.”

The launch will feature excepts from the script and score, a short movie about the project by local filmmaker James Price and details of how to get involved or help raise funding. All those attending will be offered a free glass of local cider or a piece of cake.

The event starts at 7.30pm.