THERE’S always a special reception when a play comes to the area it’s set in, and there’s no exception with Dreamboats and Petticoats.

The show, which features a string of classic hits, follows members of an Essex youth club as they take a trip to Southend seafront.

For writing duo Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran, it was the only place to set the action when they were asked to adapt the best-selling compilation CD into a full- scale stage musical.

The pair had already taken inspiration from the county for their hit TV programme, Birds of a Feather, set in Chigwell.

“Maurice and I do seem to set most of our work in Essex,” laughs Laurence. “I think it’s just a county that appeals to us.

“I did go on trips to Southend, and my uncle used to go to Southend for an ice cream.

“He’d hire a car, go to Southend, buy an ice cream and drive back home again.”

The pair had never written a stage musical before, so when Universal called in March 2008 and asked them to turn this compilation album into a stage musical, they worked out the story they wanted to tell and then chose the songs that pushed the narrative along.”

The story sees shy Laura vying for the attentions of wannabe-rockstar Bobby – who in turn only has eyes for sexy Sue. But Sue has her attentions fixed on newcomer Norman.

The gang enter a music contest, and when the youth club throws a trip to Southend, rivalry is high.

“The music was originally released in the late Fifties,” says Laurence.

“That’s where we wanted it to be set, and in a youth club, as most people of that time would have belonged to one. We wanted a sort of love story. What happened in youth clubs was the girl you fancied always fancied someone else and so on.”

Dreamboats and Petticoats is at The Cliffs Pavilion , Station Road, Westcliff , until Saturday, August 25, 8pm,  Saturday matinee 2.30pm. Tickets cost £22.50-£30.50.

Call 01702 351135