Auditions for Copacabana

So many people give their own time freely and work so hard on amateur productions, often for very little recognition and so I am always delighted to hear of someone who has been rewarded for their efforts.

Sue Wallin, who runs Side by Side Theatre Company in Stourbridge, was awarded an MBE by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall earlier this year for her supporting learning disabled adults in the arts services and now the theatre company themselves will be presented with The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service later this month.

In addition to all this excitement, on June 6th, volunteers from Side by Side attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace in celebration of their award. They are regularly supported by 35 willing volunteers who are instrumental in improving confidence levels and performing skills of the cast of 30 members of the group.

Sue said: "Volunteers are the lifeblood of our company and together we give upwards of 6,000 hours each year. It is fantastic that our work has been recognised in this way and we are overwhelmed and delighted to be honoured." Well done guys!

This very special group of performers is presenting Prodigal Son at Stourbridge Town Hall on June 27. Based on the biblical story, this version is interpreted in a very unique style by Side by Side, taking on a whole new meaning.

For tickets, priced at £8-£6 contact 07929352239 or visit The Well Coffee Shop in High Street, Stourbridge. For more information about Side by Side Theatre Company, visit www.sidebysidetheatrecompanystourbridge.co.uk

There's fun and laughter over in Bromsgrove as a local well-loved society, All and Sundry, present their version of the 1970's sitcom Are You Being Served? at the Artrix Arts Centre from June 19-22, so there's just time to catch it.

When Grace Brothers is closed for refurbishment, the staff go on holiday to Costa Plonka where they find themselves in the middle of a revolution! Ridiculous but hilarious!

For tickets, priced at £12-£10 call 01527 577330 or visit www.atrix.co.uk

In Shropshire, the Telford Community Choir is anxious to attract new members. No experience is necessary, just the desire to sing and enjoy yourself. There is no audition either, so just go along and have fun.

The choir meets on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm – 8pm at Ladygrove Primary School in Dawley. For more information, call 01952 380981.

The dance students of Windsor High School are presenting a reflection of their work over the past year at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton on June 25.

Incorporating a variety of dance styles including jazz, contemporary, urban and physical theatre as well as choreography techniques, this showcase also includes performances by Windsor High School's dance companies.

For tickets contact 01902 321321.

Reach Musical Theatre School will also be performing at the Arena Theatre on June 28-29, when they present their summer production, Fame Junior.

Set in New York's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts, this is an inspiring story of a group of students and their experiences as they commit themselves to a four year course of artistic and academic achievements.

As it is the junior version of the show, it is much more light-hearted than the original and completely suitable for youngsters.

For tickets contact 01902 321321 or visit www.reachforthestage.co.uk

News of an open audition now. TAB Operatic Society, who have chosen Barry Manilow's Copacabana as their next production, is holding auditions for dancers, singers and potential principal performers, at Dudley Wood Methodist Church Hall on July 2nd.

To apply for an audition time, contact Elaine Vine on 0121 550 7254 or visit www.taboperatic.com

Don't be put off if you are on holiday either because the group are happy to accommodate everyone who applies, even if you cannot make July 2.

The BTEC Level 2 students from Dudley College are presenting Nine the Musical from June 25-26 at the Evolve Theatre on their campus.

This award-winning show is based on Franco Fellini's autobiography and explores the relationships with the various women in the life of the central character – film director, Guido Contini – as his wife, his mother and his mistress all had specific influences on his artistic endeavours.

Originally a Broadway production, there have been several revivals of Nine, including the 1992 concert version starring Jonathon Pryce and Elizabeth Sastre and featuring Elaine Paige as Claudia. Probably the best known song from the show is Be On Your Own, which Miss Paige recorded on her 1983 album Stages.

It is unusual and thought-provoking, but hugely entertaining too. For tickets priced at £7-£5 visit www.dudleyevolve.co.uk or call 0800 028 7420.

Well that's all for this week. Keep thong to a.norton@expessandstar.co.uk or call me 01902 319662. Remember to follow me on Twitter too @AlisonNorton

Break a leg!