ANYONE who thinks the Dolman Theatre has had its day should think again, according to the theatre's owners.

Newport Playgoers Society has been running the Dolman in Kingsway, Newport, since it opened, and the amateur dramatic group is looking forward to an exciting new year.

"Since the Riverfront opened people have been asking us if we're still going or if we're likely to close or transfer our plays to the new arts centre - nothing could be further from the truth," said NPS spokeswoman Clare Drewett.

"We're really excited about the Riverfront opening, in fact, a number of our members have campaigned for years to get an arts centre in Newport.

"And we're working with the manager of the Riverfront to try to ensure our programmes don't clash - we both want the best programme of arts and theatre for the people of the city."

NPS is already confirming its programme of drama for the season starting in September 2005, and its programme for the early part of the year is well under way.

At the moment rehearsals for the farce Not Now Darling, which runs from January 17-22, are taking place, as well as rehearsals for Iron, a gritty drama which will be produced in February, and The Witches, the Roald Dahl children's play, which is a March production.

"We feel the Dolman is the home of community theatre and arts in Newport, and it will continue to be so," she added.

The Dolman also has a new manager in the shape of John Sheen, father of West End star Caroline Sheen.