Actors mark 50 years

Budding actors of a village amateur dramatic society are pulling out all the stops this year in celebration of their Golden Jubilee.

Alrewas Dramatic Society, formed in 1957 in the village near Lichfield, has staged around 110 productions over the past 50 years.

Rehearsals are now well under way for the group's latest production, Playboy of the Western World, which takes to the stage at Alrewas Village Hall from next Thursday until Saturday.

The aim of the society is to produce good, quality productions at a professional standard on a local stage, for the local community.

And the society stages three productions a year, with at least one being a pantomime or variety show.

Siobhan Griffin, society secretary, said although most of the productions have been staged in the village, others have been taken on the road to churches, the Lichfield Garrick and Brewhouse Theatres, village gardens and pubs.

"The society has two very different productions planned for spring and autumn," said Siobhan.

"This month the society is inviting people to join them for a double celebration with its production of Playboy of the Western World, probably the best known of JM Synges plays. In November the society's third production this year will be its anniversary show, Golden.

"This will take audiences on a journey through the five decades of the society.

For tickets call Siobhan on 01283 791510 or log on to www.alrewasdrama.com