This year sees Axminster Drama Club celebrating its 65th birthday and the club plans to make the most of this. It is currently in the course of planning two summer productions, as well as its usual pantomime next January.

This year sees Axminster Drama Club celebrating its 65th birthday and the club plans to make the most of this.

It is currently in the course of planning two summer productions, as well as its usual pantomime next January.

The first of these is a modern Alan Ayckbourn play, Game Plan, which was first performed in the West End in 2002.

Lynette Saxon is a single parent, struggling to keep her home together, and in imminent danger of having to sell up and move to a cheaper area. Her daughter, Sorrel, is faced with the prospect of losing her home, her school, and her friends. Aided by her best friend, Kelly, she comes up with a foolproof scheme to save the family finances; but not everything goes according to plan.

This very funny play is also quite challenging, and requires strong acting and, according to director Tony Hansell, the parts are "to die for".

A read through is planned for Tuesday, March 16, at the club's workshop, The Plaza (right behind The Guildhall in West Street) at 7.30pm.

Auditions will follow on Thursday, March 18, at the same venue, at 7.30pm.

This play contains adult themes and is not considered suitable for children. Auditions are for actor's aged 16 and above only.

It is set to be staged from Thursday, May 27 to Saturday, May 29.

As soon as this is cast, the club will be straight into auditions for the classic musical Wizard of Oz. Production dates for this will be Thursday, July 22 to Saturday, July 24 (with a matinee and evening performance on the Saturday).

Club chairman Tim Leat said: "The club has been very lucky to secure the rights to perform Wizard of Oz this year, before it goes into production in the West End. This means that, like the BBC, we can do our very own "Search for a Dorothy".

"This should be a fantastic show and a chance to show case all of our talents in our 65th year, with a show which has just celebrated its own 70th anniversary".

More details will appear in press shortly concerning auditions but these are due to take place at The Guildhall, on Wednesday, March 31.

More details of either production can be obtained by calling Tim Leat on (01297) 35187 or e-mailing him at Norrlet@aol.com