Our am dram guru Alison Norton casts her expert eye over the shows that you should be looking out for – including a couple of Gilbert and Sullivan productions, a “jolly hockey sticks” comedy, a night of West End hits, a thriller and Arthur Miller’s  classic drama The Crucible.

Gilbert and Sullivan operettas remain as popular as ever in the area. Love ‘em or hate ‘em there is no denying they are well-written with intelligent, witty lyrics and delightful music.

Although somewhat dated, I guess the best thing to do to reinvent a G&S production is to make some subtle changes to inject some vibrancy into the plots.

This is exactly what Walsall Gilbert and Sullivan Society hopes to do with their next show – The Witches of Ruddigore (an extended title which would suggest some thought has gone into this production.)

“We are looking for men to play ghosts and sailors and ladies to join as bridesmaids, dancers and village folk,” said the group’s director Karen Lyon.

“We are moving to the Forest Arts Centre, but we are still rehearsing on Wednesday evenings,” she continued.

Interested in joining? Contact Walsall G&S Society Ticket Hotline on 01922 452970.

And there’s yet more G&S over in Erdington. This time, The Pirates of Penzance, presented by Erdington Operatic Society, at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from November 1-5.

This award winning company is very much looking forward to the performance.

Company Chairman, John Cheese said: “This has always been a great favourite with audiences of all ages. It would seem a very appropriate choice for this year’s production.”

For tickets, call 0121 360 6627.

The Shrewsbury Questers drama group is presenting the classic “jolly hockey sticks” comedy, Daisy Pulls It Off! at The Gateway, Shrewsbury on October 26-28.

Set in an all girl’s school in the 1920’s, this play certainly has a St Trinnians feel to it and although the characters are mostly school girls, they are played by older actresses.

It is a fun, family friendly show, with laughs a plenty. Tickets are priced at just £7 and are available from The Gateway on 01743 355159 or on 01743 354692.

Lovers of musical theatre can enjoy an evening of songs from West End hits presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, in celebrating of their 40th anniversary.

The concert, entitled One Enchanted Evening, will take place at Brownhills Technology College from October 25-29, with performances at 7.30pm nightly and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. For tickets contact 07532189689.

The group is also hoping to attract new members to join them for their 2012 production of the Mel Brook’s madcap comedy, The Producers. If you are a trained dancer or a male performer who is keen to be involved in this crazy show, contact Gill Morris on 01543 374800.

Secga Theatre Company, who perform at The Towers Theatre, Tettenhall College, has welcomed some new blood into their company of late.

Their latest production, Deadly Nightcap, from the pen of the master of mystery, Francis Durbridge, runs from October 27-29 at 7.30pm each evening.

Among the ten strong cast of this play, are three newcomers to the group.

The plot revolves around an evil husband who intends to murder his spouse, making it look like suicide, in order to take control of the family firm.

His complex scheme backfires when it becomes apparent that no one is quite what they seem.

Local teacher, David Kinghorn, joins Secga for the first time, in the role of Cliff Jordan the police inspector assigned to solve the murder.

Jane Williams from Halesowen also makes her debut with the group as Anna Truman and the final newcomer is Jon Garrad who plays the role of Geoffrey Curtis.

As well as three new performers, Tony Stamp, a stalwart of Secga, is making his directorial debut for the group, as well as playing Jack Radford, the murderous husband intent on getting rid of his wife.

Tickets are priced at just £6 each and can be purchased from Tettenhall Post Office or by phoning 0121 561 1854 or emailing secgatheatre@aol.com

For further information on this group, visit secgatheatrecompany.vpweb.co.uk

With Halloween just around the corner, it is perhaps fitting that the Lichfield Players are presenting the dark, but riveting drama, The Crucible by Arthur Miller, at the Studio in the Lichfield Garrick Theatre, from October 25–29 and then again from November 1-5.

Set in 1692 in the puritanical village of Salem, Massachusetts, a group of young women protest their innocence when accused of witchcraft, but then face life-threatening consequences.

Although not the happiest of subjects, this is a spell-binding play which requires acting of the very highest standards. I am sure Lichfield Players will rise to the challenge.

The group will be in Lichfield city centre on October 22 promoting the show and offering discounts on tickets.

To book call 01543 412121 or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com

That’s all for this week.

Remember to keep those emails and photos coming to a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, or call me on 01902 319662.

Break a leg!