A NEW professional producing theatre company which aims to showcase the work of up-and-coming young talent in Dorset is currently on stage at at Lighthouse in Poole.

Called Ironic Comment, the company is the brainchild of actresses and drama teachers Jo Michaels, Rachel Barratt, Julie Harrison and Janey Seymour.

The four women met through work on the performing arts courses at Bournemouth and Poole College's Jellico Theatre.

Ironic Comment's opening play, Eight Foot Leap, was penned by local writer Andrew Muir and will be staged in the Lighthouse Studio tonight and tomorrow.

Muir, an old college friend of Jo Michaels, has already received wide critical acclaim in London for winning the prestigious Peter Brook award.

He is currently working on projects in association with the National Theatre.

Eight Foot Leap, which explores a strange family reunion, is perfect for the new company's self-imposed brief to promote new writing as well as performing talent.

Jo feels the project will provide a much-needed service for the artistic community in Dorset.

She says: "We are teaching actors who have to either go elsewhere to work or join a London agent. For someone like me who gave up touring as an actor to look after a young family, it's tough and it's tough for others too."

Jo added: "There's loads of amazing talent around and we want to promote it."

Ironic Comment also plans to work in schools and with the national curriculum.

Eight Foot Leap is being performed at The Studio at The Lighthouse, Poole, tonight and Friday. For details call 01202 685222.