The Gweek Players theatre group have produced what they believe to be one of the first of its kind in am-dram circles with their latest offering The Village Hall Murder.

The acting ensemble have written, rehearsed, filmed and edited a Murder Mystery drama that they intend to perform online, all while adhering to strict, Covid-safe conditions.

The online drama, which is to be set in the fictitious fishing village of Porth Ival, will be completely free to view when it is performed at 7pm on March 1, however, viewers will be given the option to donate to the charity Carn to Cove if they wished to do so.

The story revolves around a murder that takes place in the village and is also set during the pandemic.

Aline Turner, who is part of the Gweek Players, praised the writing of the play as well as the commitment of those acting in, saying: "We have a very talented writer (David Ivall) and a large group of actors who wanted to get involved."

The challenges involved in creating a piece of online theatre during a national lockdown included having to conduct rehearsals and creative meetings over Zoom while also having cast members film their scenes, in full costume, from home.

All sets, costumes and props had to be sourced from within the homes of those involved or exchanged safely by post and without non-essential travel.

Emma Phillips, who directs the piece, said: "Acting over Zoom was quite unnatural at first as we're all stage actors and are used to projecting our voices, which doesn't quite work when acting individually on film.

"We're used to looking and speaking to a live audience so we were initially out of our comfort zones and the human connection aspect was missed by all.

"We had to adapt and get used to acting in more subtle way because of the filming but overall we're just thankful to still be part of an active company."

While Gweek Players, whose USPs include dishing out desserts during their intervals, appear to have risen triumphantly to the challenge of online theatre, Aline said their natural habitat will obviously always be on stage in front of alive audience and they would be returning to that format as soon as they can.

Those interested in viewing the play can visit the website www.gweekplayers.co.uk and register their details.