Many have had the thought at one time or another of writing a book! But what if you did and the characters start to take control? This smoky, stylish one act play directed by Melva Coe was reminiscent of a Parisian Film Noire. During the performance some atmospheric lighting effects were used to good effect and added to the tension. An author, admirably played by Roy Sach, is struggling to finish his Chandleresque style detective novel. As the author tries to develop the story his characters (played by Helen Pugh, Jon Riddle and Jo South) become less contented with the roles they have been placed in and mutiny. They force the author to take on their respective roles and in doing so try to influence the story line. Excellently cast the play became a comedic take on the crime genre which represented a new direction for the Players to develop their talents.

This play won the Authors Award at the RAFTA One Act Play Festival 2000 and the Adjudicator's Award at the Anglesey Drama Festival 2005.

CAST MEMBERS
Roy Sach - Author
Jon Riddle - Private Investigator
Helen Pugh - Booky
Jo South - Vamp

My Blue Heaven
by Colin Calvert
Directed by Bill Preston

The second one act play performed during the evening was a little lighter but no less demanding. The play centres around a middle aged character, Brian (played by Brian Parkinson), who has used his redundancy money to set-up and fund a new business venture. The business is a great success and Brian and his wife Melanie (played by Caroline Nobbs) have become Nouveau Riches. But things are not quite as they appear and what Meline doesn't know is that Brian's wealth has come about from an offshoot of the local photographic society. Brian has formed a new video group who make and sell their productions to, well shall we say a "specialist" market! Things start to go wrong when they invite Nigel (played by Gren Elphinestone-Davis) and his wife Vikki (played on the night by Sally Potts) round for dinner one evening. Left to enjoy what is thought to be a video of Brian and Melanie's recent holiday they get more than they bargained for. It could be said that all was indeed revealed with hillarious results.

CAST MEMBERS
Brian Parkinson - Brian
Caroline Nobbs - Melanie
Gren Elphinestone-Davis - Nigel
Sally Potts (on the night) - Vikki
Andy Coetzee - Clive
Bill Preston - Rev Rupert Grapple

The Milborne Players would like to thank The Royal Oak pub in Milborne St Andrew for their continued support and encouragement.