THE Phoenix Theatre is a wonderful asset for Ross-on-Wye providing opportunities for local people to enjoy, and be involved with, a range of live performances.

The play Natural Causes is currently in rehearsal, but it’s their previous productions that the company is currently celebrating.

The theatre’s Love on the Dole and Red Hot and Cole productions were nominated in the recent National Operatic and Dramatic Association awards with Red Hot and Cole going on to win the award for Best Musical.

NODA is the UK's leading amateur theatre membership organisation, and its productions are reviewed and entered into the awards within the wider West Midlands Region.

Nestled away in the old fire station in Ross, the Phoenix Theatre Company was established in 1922, and after more than 100 years, it continues to go from strength to strength.

Each year several productions are performed including plays, musical shows and concerts and attract enthusiastic audiences of both locals, and visitors to the town.

The theatre’s directors, cast and crew were thrilled with the award and the NODA review which highlighted ‘a truly talented group who treated us to a fabulous evening.’

“Red Hot and Cole, performed by the Phoenix Theatre and retold the story of Porter’s life was depicted in song and dance in a very classy way,” said reviewer Randy Strawderman.

He added: “The style and ambiance of the period was beautifully captured in the intimate setting of the small theatre.

“I really did feel at times as if the cast were singing in my living room, and just to me.

The Phoenix Theatre Singers are busy preparing for their next show in June. These will be followed by a summer season of One-Act plays in July, August and September.

All promise to be great evenings of entertainment so why not come along and support your thriving local theatre.