Members of Off Centre Theatre (OCT) are busy rehearsing for the Alan Ayckbourn play, “Relatively Speaking” which takes the stage at the Savoy for four nights from Wednesday, May 18th.

However they are also still working towards a performance at the All-England Theatre Festival semi-final in Stoke-on-Trent.

OCT had such a successful run with the Neil Simon play “Plaza Suite” at the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth that they decided to enter Act 3 (The Visitor from Forest Hills) in the Hereford Drama Festival, which they won. Well-known author and journalist, Quentin Letts presented the prizes. Not only did they win, but Jim was awarded Best Actor, Eileen Best Actress, Tom Rigby Best Director and OCT also received the award for best set.

This meant that they also went through to the All-England Theatre Festival quarter final at the Swan Theatre in Worcester on April 9th where six groups would perform, with just two going forward to the semi-final at Stoke on Trent in May. At Worcester, OCT came up against some strong opposition, but again put on a great show to qualify in the runner-up spot. A strong Birmingham company took the plaudits with a Pinter play, well performed. However, when OCT examined the marking it was obvious they had lost ground with a few technical set errors which have since been thoroughly discussed and a plan of action devised to meet the challenge at Stoke. A challenge being met for the first time by the winners of the Hereford Festival in its entire history – a proud achievement for OCT.

Plaza Suite director, Tom Rigby is fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead but, along with the rest of the OCT team, is relishing the opportunity to compete against some of the finest groups in Britain. As Chairman Stuart MacFarlane put it; “this is a great way to celebrate our 30th anniversary!”

OCT is keen to welcome new members, Plaza Suite director, Tom Rigby is also Membership Secretary and would be delighted to hear from you.

Since its formation in 1986, Off Centre Theatre has staged more than 120 shows and continues to produce entertainment to a very high standard. Play readings and rehearsals, auditions and club events are generally held at St Johns Ambulance Hall, St Mary Street, Monmouth.

For further details visit www.offcentretheatre.org.uk/index.html