A Croydon drama group is re-opening Fairfield Halls' main theatre 57 years after staging its first performance there.

Croydon Operatic and Dramatic Association (CODA) will put on the first production at the 809 seat Ashcroft playhouse this September, having performing consistently at the venue since 1962.

The 27-strong cast will perform Mel Brook's The Producers, a Broadway satire about two men's plan to swindle their financial backer out of millions by producing the biggest flop in theatrical history.

The production is directed by Peter Bramwell and David Sanders, choreographed by Aimee-Marie Bow, and musically directed by Joshua Hickin.

CODA Chairman Peter Bramwell said: “CODA performed over 90 shows at the old Ashcroft Theatre and we are thrilled to have been invited back to our spiritual home to be the first to perform in the Ashcroft Playhouse.”

Founded in 1943, CODA is Croydon's leading community theatre company, performing both musicals and plays to a professional standard.

Fairfield Halls reopens this September following the completion of its multi-million refurbishment which has kept it closed since 2016.

The arts centre will host an eclectic mix of theatre, music, comedy and family entertainment in the Ashcroft Playhouse, the 1,802 seat Phoenix Concert Hall and other spaces across the building.

The Producers runs from September 17-21 September at the Ashcroft Playhouse, Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon, with evening performances at 7:45pm and a matinee on Saturday 21 September at 2:30pm.