Rickmansworth Players are putting a call out for men to join in on their next production, Jekyll & Hyde. Within the am dram circuit, shortages of male players have often been an issue. However, Rickmansworth Players membership manager, Vee Smith, challenges that view: “All the recent reality TV shows like Any Dream Will Do, X-Factor, and Britain’s Got Talent just prove that there are a lot of males out there who have a passion and dream of performing on a stage. They just don’t realise that these TV shows aren’t the only way to fulfil that dream – they could join their local theatre group.”

Vee adds: “Joining a local amateur theatre group like Rickmansworth Players provides a great opportunity to learn from the experts as well as gain on-stage experience, which is often the main stumbling block to getting work in a professional capacity.”

She maintains: “Gone are the days when the mention of amateur dramatics conjured up a vision of cringe-making half-baked plays of past-their-prime wannabes. Recently, we were nominated for two National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) awards and won one for our last two productions, Blithe Spirit and Oklahoma!, so we’re definitely a society to be reckoned with.”

Men wishing for a taste of stardom can call Jill Hammond on 01923 243779.