Alison Norton's am dram round-up - Dec 9

casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for this week.

As Christmas approaches, there is nothing like a carol concert for getting into the festive mood.

Up and down the region over the next three weeks I expect you will be attending a variety of concerts, having fun and at the same time, raising money for local charities.

Shelfield Male Voice Choir is presenting its carol concert at Shelfield Methodist Church on December 19 and 21. This is a very special concert for musical director Harvey Boucher, as it will be his last. He retires next July after 43 years with the choir.

In that period of time, the choir has raised thousands of pounds for charity and has spent this year raising funds for Parkinson's UK. A cheque will be presented at the December 19 performance. For tickets, priced at just £5 each, contact 01922 682070.

Startime Variety, based in Halesowen, is delighted to announce the winner of the Sheila Darby Award for 2011. There are two winners this year – 27-year-old Jodie Rock from Halesowen who has been a member of Startime for 16 years, and Leanne Ditchfield from Rowley Regis, who has been with the group for the past 10 years. Well done ladies.

Startime Variety are busy rehearsing for their pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, which they will perform in February, so watch this space for more information on the show nearer the time. Visit www.startimevariety.co.uk for more information.

Over in Shrewsbury, the Shropshire Drama Company are holding a play reading of an old Yuletide favourite, Miracle on 34th Street on December 13, at The Old Bell.

This is one of the most touching Christmas stories ever written, telling the tale of Kris Kringle, who believes he is the real Father Christmas and sets out to change the lives of non-believers, or those who have just lost their way a little.

It promises to be a lovely evening and just the thing to get you in the festive mood. For more information, visit www.shropshiredramacompany.co.uk

News of a pantomime now, as Aldridge Youth Theatre opens its doors from December 13 until January 28, with a brand new and highly original version of the legend of The Pied Piper, completely rewritten for the group by Neville Ellis.

Robert Browning's famous poem tells the tale of a piper who saves the German town of Hamlin from a plague of rats, only to have his good nature taken advantage of by the townsfolk, but his revenge is shocking.

This version includes all the traditional pantomime characters, with songs and sketches, but with a medieval twist.

For tickets, priced at £9 and £8 for concessions, contact the box office at Noddy Park Road, Aldridge on 01922 458615 or email Linda Symonds at willowrise@hotmail.com

A request for new members now. West Bromwich Operatic Society will be presenting the musical,Titanic at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton from April 17-21 and are hoping to attract some for new members for the show.

Titanic is vocally a very demanding production, with large chorus numbers and so the group are looking to take as many people as possible.

If you would like to be considered, contact Hilary Matty on 0121 550 3667 or visit www.wbos.co.uk for more information.

Over in Kidderminster at The Rose Theatre, The Nonentities are presenting "An Evening of Christmas Entertainment" on December 14-16. This is the perfect way to start your festive period with a mixture of carols, yuletide ditties and readings. And there's a glass of punch and a mince pie thrown in too! Can't be bad. For tickets contact the box office on 01562 743745 or email admin@therosetheatre.co.uk

At St James's Church in Wollaston, local choir, Viva Musica are presenting A Concert for Christmas on December 17, in aid of the Deansley Centre at New Cross Hospital.

Joining the choir are members of St. Joseph's RC Primary School, to present an evening of festive music and there is even an appearance by Father Christmas himself! Not be missed!

Tickets for adults are priced at just £8, which includes light refreshments after the concert and children, accompanied by an adult, are free of charge.

For more information, contact 01384 371399 or 0121 550 5581 or visit www.vivamusica.co.uk

Finally this week, don't forget that the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs opens on December 10, starring Linda Lusardi, Sam Kane and The Grumbleweeds. There is so much amateur performers can learn from watching the professionals. Comedic timing and the ability to ad-lib are essential in panto and no one does it better than this cast. Go and take a look.

That's all for this week. Call me on 01902 319662 or email me at a.norton@expressandstar with all your news and photos. Break a leg!