A NORTH Devon amateur dramatic organisation is celebrating its 30th birthday.

The Torrington Players have clocked up 58 performances at the town's Plough Art Centre since they formed in 1980.

The group consists of not only performers, but dedicated volunteers who direct and write productions as well as making the scenery and helping out backstage.

As well as performing at the Plough, the players have also toured other venues.

They also host regular play-readings and organise occasional theatre trips.

Chairman of the players, Bill Grainger, said: "Looking at photographs from the past all may look smooth and easy, but each show has its own tales of minor disasters.

"We've had non-appearing costumes, actors dropping out with weeks to go to opening night, the vicar, the Rev Jeremy Hummerstone, playing a dead body in a suit so outsized the trousers would fall down when he got off the sofa during the blackout, the director having to finish rehearsals from a wheelchair and an actress spraining her ankle in a backstage accident and still completing the show — including the final can-can dance on one leg."

In its 30th year, the group is hoping to expand their normal activities and have already booked three dates at The Plough for the groups award-winning production of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads.

The tour performance will be part of the North Devon Festival in June.

Play readings take place on the first Tuesday of the month at the Torrington Conservative Club at 7.30pm.

Details of upcoming shows and a gallery of pictures from past performances can be found by visiting www.torringtonplayers.com.

● For more information on the players contact Bill on 01805 622594 or Sarah on 01805 603586.