THERE will be plenty of laughter in the aisles as a young director makes her debut in Five Saints ATC's latest production.

Katie Ball, aged 18, has taken the reigns for the theatre group's latest production of Wedding of the year, written by Norman Robbins, which follows 'anti-heroine' Alison who is entered into a wedding competition by her prankster uncle — before she's even bagged herself a man.

Poor Alison has a rush to find someone suitable, but sadly he is far from looking like Prince Charming.

Mel Ratcliffe takes on the leading role as would-be bride Alison, and Joe Cunliffe co-stars as her uncle Frank.

Katie said: "I'm really excited. It's been really fun to direct, everyone seems to have enjoyed rehearsals.

"We chose this play because it has lots of parts for all ages. We have six women and four men taking the roles.

"Alison isn't your typical heroine. She's plain, overweight and isn't very fashionable. She's 23 and feels like she's getting on a bit and wants to get married.

"Her uncle is a real prankster and enters her into a wedding competition before she's even got herself a boyfriend. So there's a rush for her to find someone, which ends up being Melvin, her geeky, clumsy inventor neighbour. It's a really funny script."

Katie has set the play in her hometown, making references to Markland Hill and Heaton.

She said: "We've set it in Bolton so people can relate to it better. We joke about the posh people who live in Heaton, for example. It's just a bit of fun."

On top of her debut, Katie has just secured a place at drama school starting in September at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA).

As a result of her drama school commitments, this is potentially her last amateur production that she will take part in before going on to train as a professional.

The show runs between July 30 until Aug 1 at Bolton Little Theatre.