FOR their spring production Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS) will be presenting a double bill of plays by two of England’s foremost modern playwrights, writes Christine Williams.

Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer is a farce in one hilarious act about a sculptor, Brindsley, who has ‘borrowed’ his neighbour’s furniture to impress an art dealer who is about to visit.

However, the same night his father-in-law-to-be is visiting, the same neighbour happens to return home and Brindsley’s other woman drops by.

All this happens during a power cut.

The second in this double bill is The Real Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard, a parody of a country-house mystery following two theatre critics who, while watching and reviewing a farce — a play within a play — get drawn into the happenings at Muldoon Manor a little too much.

The plays are the choice of Kay Napier, who is making her debut as a director for HATS. She said: “I enjoyed seeing both plays at the Northcott Theatre several years ago and have wanted to direct them ever since.

“They will provide a wonderful evening of comedy for HATS audiences.”

The cast of eleven, some of whom appear in both plays, includes several familiar HATS faces, plus a few newcomers making their debuts and the two sets will be the creation of David Morley.

There will be six performances at 7.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, May 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 and tickets are £8 with concessions at £6.

On Thursdays its £5 for groups of 10 or more.

The box office will be open from Tuesday, May 3, between 10am and 3pm from Monday to Saturday.