Life in the borough over the last 100 years is set to be explored by a community theatre production.

All-female company The Paper Birds are staging a show at the Redbridge Drama Centre next month to tie in with the centenary of the First World War - and they want residents aged 55 and over to get involved.

Director Kylie Walsh said: “I recognised there wasn’t much provision for older people in the medium of theatre and we have an association with the Redbridge Drama Centre, so they were my first thought for the project.

“We are creating an original piece using the First World War commemoration; we want to explore the local area then and now.

“That leaves it really open for us which is good as it is nice to have that freedom.”

The scheme, called the Heydays Project, has received funding from Redbridge Council and aims to have between 15 and 20 cast members.

But they currently only have four, so Kylie hopes to “get the word out”.

The Paper Birds originated in Leeds 11 years ago, but they have had a relationship with the drama centre for 10 years through putting on a number of performances there.

They are looking for people of all abilities to take part in their production, which will form part of the centre’s Labyrinth Festival of Theatre.

Kylie said: “Absolutely anybody can take part. It may be that people have an interest in performing and may have had experience, but it is not needed.”

Participants meet at the centre, in Churchfields, South Woodford, from 2-4pm on Wednesdays.

Anyone interested in finding out more can pop down to rehearsals or contact Kylie by emailing kylie@thepaperbirds.com or calling 07855 098063.

The production will be staged on June 19 and 20.