IT'S the end of a theatrical era next week when the last ever Severalls Concert Group show takes place.

Originally called the Severalls Hospital Concert Group, it was formed by a group of hospital staff, in 1958, who wanted to put on a show for the patients at Severalls Hospital.

Their first production took place in 1961, a Christmas show performed twice, one for the patients and one for the staff.

In 1980, the first of a number of moves for the group took place, when a fire left a gaping hole in the hospital’s main hall roof, leading to a temporary move to Woods Social Club.

In 1997, when the hospital closed, the group decided to carry on and, after searching across town for a suitable venue, they discovered Alderman Blaxill School.

Unfortunately they've had to move again, this time to Thomas Lord Audley school in Monkwick Avenue, but it will be their last ever venue with the announcement chair and creative director, Maria Miller is stepping down.

Maria joined the group in 1977 helping them choreograph their dance routines whilst also appearing in the cast.

“My mother was a member of the theatre group and my father was a member of the Severalls Bowls Club,” she says. “That’s how I got involved.

“A lot of people come to us through friends and families."

Maria's family being no exception,

“I joined through my parents,” Maria adds. “My children joined through me and now my grandchildren have joined our ranks through their parents. I think it’s that family feel to the troupe that has kept it going all these years."

This year's show, Times and Tea Chests will feature a whole host of song numbers taking the audiences through the years from Thoroughly Modern Millie to Grease, right up to date with a song from the hit movie Trolls.

"As the school is closing," she continues, "it seemed like a good time to retire and spend more time with Mick, my husband, my two daughters, one of which is still performing, and five grandchildren, three of which are in this production."

Following the show, the group will be selling off a whole range of props, staging and costumes, at 327 Straight Road, Colchester, over the weekend of July 15 and 16.

For now the cast are concentrating on the show itself which takes place on Thursday, June 1, at 7.30pm and then again on Saturday, June 3, at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are priced £7, available from the box office on 01206 512228 or from boxoffice@severalls.com