By David Breen

If you fancy a break from the telly this week then there are two productions running locally that are sure to prise you from your armchair.

First off, the Trinity Players are staging a trio of comedies sure to exercise your chuckle-muscles.

Jean McConell’s Day Trippers and Cruise Missile are presented alongside A Cut in the Rates by Alan Aykbourn.

The award-winning company will be performing at the Trinity Parish House, on Southchurch Boulevard, from Thursday to Saturday.

If watching is not enough, and the lure of the greasepaint calls, then you could be part of the company’s next show.

They are currently auditioning for men and women to perform, direct, or work backstage, for the next play. Tickets cost £6 or £5 for concessions, available on the door or by phoning 01702 584201.

They say variety is the spice of life, and the Wednesday Players have it in bucketfulls, as they prepare to stage their annual cabaret, entitled the Weird and Wonderful Wednesday Players.

Featuring a great array of talent from the local area, the evening is filled with songs, sketches and dance under the direction of Nick Poth, with highlights including duets from Spamalot, and dance routines from Ok Go.

The show takes place Friday and Saturday at Runnymede Hall, Thundersley, priced just £7.

The company have a strong reputation not only for their cabarets and plays, but also for their January pantomime.

Next year is no exception with the company staging Sinbad the Sailor. Schools performances will again be available, and more information on both of these shows can be found by e-mailing thebuddsfamily@yahoo.co.uk l To get your show mentioned in this column, e-mail me on three lancetheatre@hotmail.co.uk in the meantime to all performers, break a leg.