A theatre group was able to perform its first play in Mansfield and South Wales thanks to a donation of £410 from The Mansfield Building Society.

Williams World, is a new theatre company based in Derby, was created by a collective of actors, directors, musicians and producers with a passion to make plays for audiences who might not ordinarily go to the theatre.

Fly Half was its first venture — a play about rugby, created to reach and connect with sports supporters.

The group received funding from Arts Council England for research, development and to run the play in two locations, but needed to secure the last 10% from local support.

The funds from the building society enabled the group to buy marketing materials and set aside tickets to allow members of Ashfield Ladies RUFC to attend the show in Mansfield.

Jayne Williams, founder of Williams World, said: “The donation from the Mansfield has helped us get the play into production and establish a solid foundation for taking the play further.

“Without the funding from The Mansfield Building Society we would have struggled to gain the last 10% of money for the play meaning the production may not have ran at all. The Community Support Scheme donation really has made an impact, it is now our intention to bring Fly Half back to Mansfield later this year to kick off a tour of rugby clubs and studio theatres.”

Dale Twigger, marketing manager at the Society, said: “It has been great meeting Jayne and learning more about Fly Half. The play has many key themes that people in our own community can relate to, the fact that the play is set in an ex-mining town resonates with a lot of people in Mansfield. Knowing that our donation has enabled Williams World to bring live performing arts to our community is wonderful news.”

Mansfield Building Society’s Community Support Scheme funds local groups and organisations in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire and meets twice yearly in May and November to consider applications. To find out more or to download an application form, go to Mansfieldbs.co.uk/community-support-scheme

Pictured is The Mansfield’s marketing manager Dale Twigger with Jayne Williams, a member of Williams World.