Alison Norton's Midlands am dram guide - February 17

Our am dram guru

casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for, including Les Liaisons Dangereuses in Kidderminster, A Mother's Ransom in Shrewsbury, The Witches of Ruddigore in Leamore, The Cat's Meow in Aldridge and Parade in Wolverhampton.

Sometimes theatrical experiences can be very special and I certainly felt that when I went to see none other than the incomparable Steven Berkoff at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton last week, performing Shakespeare's Villains.

His performance was acting on a whole different level and it really brought it home to me how hard amateurs and indeed many professionals, need to work in order to produce quality performances.

Serious drama is difficult at the best of times, but brave am dram companies all over the Midlands continue to delight their audiences with ambitious productions.

One such company is The Nonentities, who perform at the Rose Theatre in Kidderminster.

Their next offering is Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton, which runs from February 20-25. Described as contemporary playwriting at its very best, this is a witty, stylish play with extremely well-written dialogue, stunning costumes and powerful performances.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses deals with very adult themes amongst a fashionable and dare I say, rather unpleasant, gossipy social group, so its not one for the faint-hearted. Remember the film version based on this play starring Glen Close and John Malcovich?

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

Over in Shrewsbury, The Owen Lewis Portable Theatre Company is in the process of casting their next production – A Mother's Ransom.

This exciting thriller will be performed at The Shrewsbury Coffee House on April 17, but at the moment the group is desperately trying to find the right actress for the leading role.

"She needs a playing age of around 65, needs to be available once a week for rehearsal and must be free in April for the performance," said spokesperson for the group, Mr Lewis.

Sounds pretty logical to me! Are you an actress at a loose end? Do you fit the bill? If so, contact o.lewis495@btinternet.com or call 07753684036 for more details.

Walsall Gilbert and Sullivan Society is performing The Witches of Ruddigore at the Forest Arts Centre, Leamore, in March, but at the moment they are also keen to contact former members who may like to take part in celebrating the company's 50th anniversary in 2013.

Their intention is to reprise two of their very first shows, Trial by Jury and The Pirates of Penzance, as well as enjoy a variety of musical and social events during the year. For more information contact Gerry Gomez on 01922 645378.

Amateur performers are always planning the next show and Rainbow Pantomimes, based in Sedgley, are no exception.

They are currently seeking a production team for their 2013 pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk. If you are a director, choreographer or musical director who would like to be involved with a well-established, friendly company, please contact Janet Massey at janetmassey1950@aol.co.uk by February 24. Or contact me, I am always happy to pass details on.

Circle Players in Aldridge will be performing The Cat's Meow by Steven Peros from February 22-25 at Aldridge Theatre in Noddy Park Road.

Although based on a true story, this play is in fact a fictional account of some mysterious events which occurred back in 1924, on board a luxury yacht belonging to William Randolph Hearst.

During a wild, drug and booze-infused party, Hearst begins to suspect that two movie stars, Charlie Chaplin and Marion Davies are having an affair.

It sounds very intriguing. Celebrity gossip was still as popular back in the 1920s as it is today it would seem!

For tickets, priced at just £8-£7, contact 07949 358814.

Finally this week there is just time to catch Impulse Productions' latest performance at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton. They have chosen to perform a little-known musical called Parade by Jason Brown.

Parade hit Broadway back in 1998, directed by Harold Prince and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning Best Book and Best Score, and tells the tale of a Jewish factory worker, Leo Frank, who is accused of murdering a young girl and is subjected to a hideous trial by the people of Atlanta.

Impulse Productions are a young, but highly talented, group with an impeccable reputation and their performances never disappoint.

Founder of the group, Luke Renwick, from Telford, takes the leading role of Leo and promises to deliver an incredible vocal performance.

This is no mean feat either, as Luke has been poorly of late, but of course in true am dram tradition, the show must go on!

Parade actually started on Wednesday of this week, but there are still seats left for this evening and Saturday February 18.

For tickets, priced at £9-£7 (concessions), call the Arena Theatre box office on 01902 321321.

Well, that's all for this week. Keep those emails and photographs coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk

I love to hear from you all.

Break a leg!