'David Brent' hits stage in Netherton

I am looking ahead this week to May 2014, when the refurbishment of East Park in Wolverhampton is complete. The city has been lucky enough to have been awarded a major Heritage Fund Lottery grant to spend on free entertainment for the people of Wolverhampton.

There will be a whole weekend of celebrations for the re-opening of the park, including a competition for local amateur performers to show off their talents and showcase and publicise their productions. The theme of the competition is the year 1896, and all groups are welcome to perform drama, comedy, musical theatre or dance. It is for amateur performers only and the length of the piece should be between 15 and 30 minutes long.

There will of course be a prize for the winner, but the event is more about getting out there and showing off you talents. Obviously there is plenty of time to prepare and I will continue from time to time over the next 12 months to remind you all of the competition as we approach the date. Why not register your interest at mac.mccoig@wolverhampton.gov.uk or call 01902 551783.

In Pattingham, The Chad Singers are presenting Melodies for Spring at the village hall on May 11, at 7.30pm. This concert has a host of favourite tunes including Moon River, Portrait of My Love, What a Wonderful World, Unchained Melody and Fields of Gold. There will be a licensed bar available too and a raffle in aid of local charities. Call Sue Penny on 01902 700136 or Gena Richards on 01902 700188 for tickets, which are just £8 each. Do you enjoy a good old-fashioned farce? If so, catch Good Old Summertime, which Histons Players will be performing from May 9-11 at Codsall Community Methodist Church Centre. Set in a Blackpool boarding house, this hilarious piece is the final play in the Seaside Trilogy by the author, Leslie Sands and tells the tale of Mr and Mrs Pepper, who return to the seaside for a second honeymoon, only to find the horrible guests they have encountered in previous plays in the trilogy have seemingly followed them there! It is good, clean fun and certainly worth a look. For tickets, priced at £5 in advance or £6 on the door and concessions at just £4 each, contact 07799116823 or visit www.histonsplayers.co.uk

News of a new group now, the Phoenix Theatre Company, which has recently formed to present musical theatre performances.

They meet at St. Joseph's Church Hall in Penn and are holding an open audition on May 8 to attract new members for their first production, Lionel Bart's Oliver! next February (I told you I was looking ahead to the future this week!) Are you a potential Nancy, Bill Sykes or Fagin? If so visit www.phoenixtheatreco.co.uk for more information about the group or email info@phoenixtheatreco.co.uk

Fans of David Brent will be delighted to hear he is coming to the stage in Dudley Little Theatre's production of The Office, which they will perform at Netherton Arts Centre, from May 8-11.

This is a coup for Dudley Little Theatre, as Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have agreed for a selection of scenes from the hit TV series to be performed by amateurs. Express & Star sales representative, Dave Hutchins has won the coveted role of Mr Brent.

"I didn't have a clue at first how I was going to approach the part, Dave said. "I just sat down in front of the box and watched him over and over again. I have been told I am playing him well, but the only problem is turning him off again!"If you would like to meet up with the Jobsworth Gareth, Tim and Dawn, who are still yearning for one another and the often cringe-worthy David Brent, call 01384 812812 or email www.dudleylittletheatre.org for tickets, priced at just £7-£6.

Finally this week, Old Fallings Players are presenting the Lloyd-Webber/Steinman collaboration, Whistle Down the Wind, at Coppice Performing Arts School from May 9-11.

A group of children encounter a man hiding out in their barn and become convinced that he is Jesus. With a classic score which includes the Boyzone number one hit, No Matter What, The Vaults of Heaven and of course the title song, it is a delight from start to finish. Richard Probert from Bradmore plays The Man, with Emily Fisher as Swallow and Derek Harris as Boone.

"Whistle" is one of the nicest musicals around, so please go along – you will be guaranteed an uplifting evening. For tickets, priced at £7-£6, call Pauline on 01902 689118.

Well that's all for this week. Keep those emails coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk or call me on 01902 319662. Break a leg!