THIS is a special year for a local company as it marks its 60th anniversary of producing more than 200 shows.

Rayleigh Operatic and Dramatic Society first began meeting in 1949 to stage Goodnight Vienna the George Posford musical of the Thirties The show was staged at Rayleigh Secondary School, now FitzWimarc, under the baton of Arthur Davies and the directorship of Frederick Batstone.

Since those early days they have trod the boards in a broad range of plays, musicals and pantomimes from Oscar Wilde to Dick Whittington.

To celebrate, the Rods, as they are known, are putting the finishing touches to their big show, the Diamond Years – Celebrating 60 years of Musical Theatre.

This takes an affectionate journey through some of the songs and sketches that have featured in the company’s past six decades. Performances take place from tomorrow until Saturday at the Mill Arts and Events Centre, in Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh. It promises to be a great night out.

Mike Gaskin, of Rods, said they were keen to include members and supporters from past shows, as the company’s success was down to ‘their support throughout the years”.

The curtain goes up at 7.30pm. To book tickets, phone 01268 771751 or e-mail info@rods.org.uk If you fancy trying to expand your grey matter, check out Rochford District Players on Friday. Put away that brain training and whip out your amplus scientia*, as the popular group are staging a quiz night at CJs bowling alley in Hockley. Entry is £3, with a maximum of eight people per table. However, places are limited so arrive early to guarantee your place.

For more information on the players check out their website www.rochforddistrictplayers.co.uk Highlights next week include the Wednesday Players Cabaret and Basildon Operatic’s production of Carousel, which runs at the Towngate Theatre from Wednesday.

*Large knowledge, what else would it be?

David Breen