Adrian Mole comes to life on stage in Kidderminster

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, one of my favourite series of books was the Adrian Mole tales, written by the very witty Sue Townsend, w

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A character clearly born into the wrong family, at the wrong time, schoolboy Adrian Mole was a legend from Coventry, who spent most of his life talking to the dog and pursuing the love of his life, Pandora.

Now a play, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole is being presented by The Nonentities at The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, until September 17.

Set in 1984 under the strict regime of Mrs Thatcher's government, audiences can experience Adrian Mole's first crush, first school disco and the ultimate demise of his parents' marriage.

There are tears, fighting but a lot of laughter along the way as he tells his story as a 13-and-three-quarter-year-old (very important to get the age exactly right!)

For tickets contact the box office on 01562 743745 or visit www.rosetheatre.co.uk

There's a riotous start to the drama season for Lichfield Players, with a production of Ray Cooney's play, Caught in the Net, from September 14-17 at the Lichfield Garrick Theatre.

This is the sequel to the hilarious Run for your Wife, another Cooney favourite.

Director of the group, Jim Worrallo said, "Although it's a sequel, you don't have to have seen Run for your Wife. This is a terrific play in its own right. It's fast, funny, frantic and physical and we have laughed all the way through rehearsals."

On September 10, the cast will be in Lichfield City Centre handing out discount vouchers for the show, so why not take advantage and go along?

For tickets, priced at £10-£6, contact 01543 412121 or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

From September 17-24, you can catch Oldbury Rep's latest production, Going Straight by Richard Harris at the Barlow Theatre, Langley.

This thriller kicks off the new season for the group and promises to be a classic.

Richard Harris has written some exceptional drama including The Avengers, Outside Edge, Stepping Out and a Touch of Frost, which will give you some idea of the quality of this play.

Two gangsters settle down after a life of crime, determined to retire and go straight.

However, as the story unfolds, nothing could be further from the truth.

For tickets priced at just £8-£7, contact Alan Wood on 01384 832556 or call the box office on 0121 552 276.

Further afield, the Shropshire Drama Company has a workshop planned for their forthcoming production of the physiological thriller, Creditors by August Strindberg.

What happens when a woman leaves her husband for a younger man? Set in a seaside hotel, this play is compelling and emotional. Not one for the faint-hearted.

In addition there will be play reading of The Battle of the Sexes, offering actors the opportunity to explore the theme of the play and examine the character roles.

The play will be presented at Theatre Severn from October 27-29, but for full details of the workshop on September 12, to be held at Martin Wilson School, contact joannapurslow@fsmail.net or call 07717712225.

The Proms Season is drawing to a close after a wonderful summer of musical to suit all tastes, and on September 17 The Rotary Club of Walsall are holding a Last Night of the Proms concert at Walsall Town Hall, in aid of Walsall St. Giles Hospice.

Walsall-born soprano, Susie Parkes and her husband, concert pianist Warren Mailley-Smith will be performing alongside the Shelfield Male Voice Choir and the Walsall Symphony Orchestra.

For tickets contact dfvodden@hotmail.co.uk or call Walsall Town Hall on 01922 653183.

Finally this week, rehearsals start for local children's theatre group, Reach For The Stage's next production, Gleek Out, based on the hit US TV series Glee.

This group have had considerable success with previous productions of Camp Rock, Annie and The Wizard of Oz and this new show aims to please performers and audiences alike, with a great selection of songs from the show.

In addition the group are planning to perform the kid's classic musical, Bugsy Malone (a favourite of mine) too.

Reach for the Stage is now branching out into adult classes. Do you harbour a desire to perform, but are too shy? Would you like to meet new friends, stay in shape and simply have fun? No experience is necessary, so why not give it a try.

You will be coached in singing, acting and dancing and have the opportunity to perform in the group's Christmas show, Gleek Out at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton.

For tickets and information on Reach for the Stage, contact Mike or Anna Vickers on 07983403375 or visit www.reachforthestage.co.uk

That's all for this week.

Email me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk will all your news and photos.

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