Curtain up on a month of top amateur theatre across the West Midlands - here's whats on

With all the recent hot weather, you may be thinking it's too darn hot to go to the theatre. But with so much quality amateur drama on offer across the region, staying at home simply isn't an option!

Let’s kick off with Tettenhall Operatic Society’s first fully staged production since lockdown, entitled “A Trio of Sullivan”, a must see for all fans of operetta.

“Cox and Box and The Zoo” are  lesser-known works by Sir Arthur Sullivan, as well as the popular “Trial by Jury” which he wrote with W S Gilbert.  

These three one-act operettas are what are known as curtain-raisers that preceded longer works when first produced in Victorian times.

“Cox and Box” was first performed in 1866. It was Sullivan’s first operatic work to make the stage. Dubbed a Triumviretta and described as a “little masterpiece”, it was based on J. Maddison Morton’s farce “Box and Cox”.

It became part of D’Oyly Carte’s repertoire towards the end of the 19th century, and in the 1920s and beyond was frequently performed in the Savoy Version, the one that Tettenhall’s production is based on. 

Sullivan’s “The Zoo” (“A New and Original Musical Folly in One Act”) was first performed in 1875. It was written by B. C. Stephenson under the pen name Bolton Rowe. After a number of short runs, it simply disappeared for nearly ninety years before being re-discovered and successfully revived in 1971.

Both “Cox and Box” and “The Zoo” have very funny moments but it is obvious they were not written by Sullivan’s famous partner, W. S. Gilbert whose satire, comedy, deft rhythms and clever rhyming are nowhere more obvious than in “Trial by Jury”.

Catch “A Trio of Sullivan” at Codsall Village Hall from July 2-4.  Tickets are £16 and can be ordered via TicketSource, ringing 07578851524 or via tcadvertising@

For drama lovers, Histons Players are  presenting the comedy thriller, “Recipe for Murder” from June 4-6 at Trinity Community Hall in Codsall.

Take a vicious murderer, a few victims, a touch of suspicion and a pinch of humour and it’s the ideal mix for an evening’s entertainment!

For tickets, visit: histonsplayers.co.uk or call 07982 711236.

Meanwhile, Dudley Little Theatre will present “A Bunch of Amateurs” at St. Peter’s Church Hall in Netherton, from June 11-14.

Written by the killer comedy duo, Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, this is the tale of a fading Hollywood star, Jefferson Steel, who, in an attempt to save his flagging career, heads to Stratford Upon Avon to try his hand at The Bard’s work with an all star cast of Shakespearean legends.

Little does he realise however, but the cast of this version of “King Lear” are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from being bulldozed to make way for executive homes.

Chaos ensues as am dram and the professional actor collide, but will Jefferson learn some home truths about himself?

This witty comedy is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone!

For tickets, priced at just £10 per person, visit: dudleylittletheatre.org

In complete contrast, murder mystery fans will enjoy Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None”, presented by Wordsley Amateur Dramatic Society, from June 24-27 at Brierley Hill Methodist Church.

This is a dark tale. Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they are unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate, for each has been marked for murder.

As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins; one by one, they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme about “Ten Little Soldier Boys.”

The BBC presented an excellent production of this play back in 2015, in fact so good, it kept me awake at night!

For tickets, visit: wordsleyamdram.co.uk or call 01384 270228.

There’s a strong musical theatre presence in the West Midlands over the next month too.

From June 3-6, you can catch Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Company’s production of “Made in Dagenham”, at Brierley Hill Civic Hall.

With music by David Arnold, lyrics by Richard Thomas, and a book by Richard Bean, this powerful musical is guaranteed to lift the spirits.

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, of the same name, this British musical comedy is a tale of women in a men’s world, friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Popular songs from the show include “This is What We Want”, “Everybody Out”, “I’m Sorry, I Love You”, and “Stand Up.”

For tickets, visit: seaty.co.uk/MID or call 07742 803221.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a favourite musical of mine, so I was delighted to hear that Aldridge Musical Comedy Society will be presenting the show from June 18-20 at the Rugeley Rose Theatre.

Seymour Krelborn, a down-on-his-luck flower shop assistant who stumbles upon a strange and exotic plant with a sinister secret: it thrives on human blood. As the plant’s appetite grows, so does Seymour’s fame and fortune – but at what cost?

Described as a horror, sci-fi musical, “Little Shop” as it is affectionately known, is also a heartwarming love story, with a host of popular songs including “Skid Row”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, “Suddenly Seymour” and of course, the title song.

It’s a delight! For tickets, visit: rugeley-rose-theatre.co.uk

Over in Shropshire, at the Walker Theatre within Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury College students will be dancing their feet off as they present “Footloose the Musical” from June 9-11.

Based on the iconic 1984 film, “Footloose” tells the story of Ren McCormack, a teenager who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned.

Determined to challenge the rules and bring music and dancing back to the community, Ren inspires the town’s young people to stand up for self-expression and change. This musical is a celebration of youth, rebellion and the power of music.

Bursting with well-loved hits from the eighties, including the title song, Footloose, “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Waiting for a Girl Like You”, this is the perfect choice for a young,  vibrant cast.

For tickets, visit: theatresevern.co.uk

In Telford at the Little Theatre, Donnington, foodies can revel in “The Great British Bake Off, the Musical” from June 18-20.

Follow the journey of a group of contestants as they whisk, knead, and bake their way to glory, all under the watchful eyes of judges and hosts who have become household names.

With a mix of original songs that capture the spirit of the Bake Off tent—from tense technical challenges to joyous showstoppers—the musical creates a vibrant and immersive experience. Expect a rollercoaster of emotions as friendships form, cakes collapse, and dreams come true.

This is a new one for me, but I’m looking forward to listening to the score which includes, “Somewhere in the Dough”, “My Dad,” “Don’t Send Me Home”, and “Rise.”

Based on the hit TV series of the same name, there’s not a soggy bottom in sight!

For tickets, visit: thelittletheatredonnington.co.uk

Well that’s all for this time. Email me at [email protected] with details of your shows and remember to include a good quality, colour photo too.  You can also follow me on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Break a leg!