IN early March, Off Centre Theatre (OCT) had a successful three nights performing the Neil Simon play ’Plaza Suite’ at the Savoy Theatre in Monmouth. The committee was so pleased with the production that it was decided to enter Act 3 (The Visitor from Forest Hills) in the Hereford Drama Festival at the end of March.

Jim Newcomb from Whitchurch, was to continue his partnership with Eileen Summers of Brockweir to take on five other contending groups. They were ably supported by local youngsters, Sophie Stevens and Chris Davies.

The adjudicator announced OCT as the festival winners, with famed author and journalist, Quentin Letts presenting the prizes! A tremendous achievement for the Monmouth group. 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 9th April where OCT came up against some strong opposition, but again put on a great show to qualify in the runner-up spot.

While all this is going on, OCT are busy rehearsing for the Alan Ayckbourn play, “Relatively Speaking” which takes the stage at the Savoy for four nights from Wednesday 18th May.

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

For further details of the festival or future OCT events visit their website www.offcentretheatre.org.uk/index.html