IT'S celebration time for The Brewhouse Theatre - for more than one reason.

For the first time since re-opening two years ago, the theatre will be producing it's first in-house production.

"Around the World in 80 Days" will be a Christmas extravaganza for all ages, and will feature a professional cast of seven actors, complimented by a supporting community cast of 26.

There's even a famous face who will be gracing the theatre.

The theatre is also celebrating as it has been awarded a grant of £15,000 toward the production from Arts Council England.

This is the first funding the theatre has received, again since re-opening with a new structure and management team.

The award is a testament to the new management's achievements over the past two years, and the continued success of the Theatre and Arts programme.

Chief executive, Vanessa Lefrancois, said: “We are delighted that the Arts Council have invested in our first Christmas production.

"Staff and volunteers at the Brewhouse have been working tirelessly over the past two years to make the venue a centre of artistic excellence that can be enjoyed by everyone.

“The Arts Council 's support at this crucial stage in development is a real vote of confidence in our abilities to deliver on the venue’s aspirations.

"We are also grateful for the ongoing support of Taunton Deane Borough Council who have believed and trusted our charities capabilities from the beginning."

Around the World in 80 Days has been adapted from the acclaimed novel by Jules Verne and written and composed by Phil Willmott and Annemarie Thomas.

It is fit to bursting with terrific songs, dance routines, circus acts, the inevitable smattering of romance plus plenty of audience participation The audience are invited to join Phileas Fogg on trains, Chinese junks, hot air balloons, even an elephant, as he tries to circumnavigate the world in 80 days.

Can the intrepid explorer, aided by comic French valet ‘Passepartout’, succeed in their mission and get home in time for Christmas?

The whistle-stop adventure promises to be a whirlwind of a show, with a fantastic professional cast and talented community ensemble, beautiful scenery and funky steampunk inspired costumes.

Among the cast is a face currently gracing our television screens in the BBC hit Poldark - Derek Frood who plays Captain Bray.

A limited number of Early bird tickets are on sale until October 6.

£50 for a family of four (a saving of up to £15) or £15 for an adult ticket (a saving of up to £5).