Wolverhampton's Studio 61 will be performing Mike Barlett’s adaptation of Medea at The Victory Hall in Lower Penn

Studio 61, based in Wolverhampton, will be performing Mike Barlett’s adaptation of Medea, originally by Euripides from June 14-17 at The Victory Hall in Lower Penn.

This classic Greek tragedy is the sad tale of a mother, who fuelled by anger at her husband’s adultery is driven to commit the most heinous crime of all. She can’t sleep, she can’t cope, her future is dull and so she plots her revenge.

It is interesting to note that in the original tale, the husband in question is Jason, of the Golden Fleece fame, who leaves Medea for a princess of Cornith, whom she duly murders, along with her own children too.

It will be fascinating to see how this story has been adapted into modern life form.

In this production, Suzanne Smith plays the title role, with Ian Hartley as Jason and Becky Gitsham as Sarah.

For tickets priced at £8, which include refreshments, call 01902 651828, visit www.studio61.org.uk or the group’s Facebook page.

Still with murder in mind, but on a much happier note, The Nonentities who are the resident group at The Rose Theatre in Kidderminster, will be presenting the hilarious Ealing comedy, The Ladykillers from June 11-16. This 2011 version was adapted for the stage by Graham Lineham who incidentally also wrote the madcap comedies Father Ted and the IT Crowd.

A lonely and eccentric little old lady, Mrs Wilberforce, lives a lopsided life which is completely turned upside down when Professor Marcus knocks on her door, asking to rent a room for music practice with his four friends. The group are in fact an unlikely set of conmen and robbers and an even more unlikely group of amateur musicians.

Together they plan a cunning heist on a security van and use an unwitting Mrs Wilberforce to gain their fortune. Beside the trains, parrots, dresses, cellos, tea time, and a plan that unravels in a spectacular way, Graham’s script gives us an hilarious retelling of one of Britain’s favourite comedies.

For tickets call 01562 743745 or visit www.rosetheatre.co.uk

I think one of the hardest musical comedies for an amateur group to produce is Singin’ in the Rain.

It is such a wonderfully funny, engaging show, with a fabulous score, romance and dance, but also technically a challenge.

Having done the show with my home company, South Staffs MTC back in 2007, I remember the hours we spent creating the film for the movie within the show, rehearsing mock sword fighting and not to mention helping to mop the stage at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre when the special effect rain truck sprung a leak. But it was all worth it and it is a show I will never forget.

The storyline surrounds the glamorous lives of two stars of the silent movies, the handsome and talented Don Lockwood and his partner, the beautiful but dim Leana Lamont, who appear to be completely in love on screen, but in private Don detests her.

When the new talkies come along, Don makes the transition easily, but Leana hides a secret which cannot be disguised, her broad Brooklyn accent and high-pitched tones.

Enter Cathy Seldon, a would-be movie starlet whom Don encounters at a showbiz party who has the voice of an angel. Can she cover for Leana?

The score of this show is exceptional and includes the uplifting Good Mornin’, Make ‘Em Laugh, You Are My Lucky Star, Would You and of course the title song.

The Harlequins Drama Group, who perform at The Palace Theatre in Redditch, will be presenting Singin’ in the Rain Junior from June 6-8.

These young performers are aged between 8-18 years old and meet every Tuesday evening during term time to have fun while learning.

There is no audition or experience necessary to join. The group believes in theatre being accessible for everyone and offers the opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.

For tickets to see this classic musical comedy presented by a young group who are very brave in taking it on, visit www.theharlequins.co.uk or call 01527 65203.

The NODA (National Operatic & Dramatic Association) award winning Circle Players will be presenting Rick Abbot’s comedy, Play On! at the Aldridge Theatre in Noddy Park Road from June 13-16.

Play On! is the hilarious story of a theatre group desperately trying to put on a play in spite of maddening interference from a haughty author who keeps revising the script.

Act One is a rehearsal of the dreadful show, Act Two is the near disastrous dress rehearsal, and the final act is the actual performance, in which anything that can go wrong, does.

When the author decides to give a speech on the state of the modern theatre during the curtain calls, the audience is treated to a madcap climax to a thoroughly hilarious romp.

A hoot for anyone who has ever been involved in Am Dram.

For tickets priced at £8-£9, call 07949358814 or visit www.thecircleplayers.co.uk

One of our best loved British actresses of late has to be Maxine Peake. Not only is she an amazing actress though, she is also an accomplished writer.

At Highbury Theatre in Sutton Coldfield, you can catch her production of Beryl, the story of the greatest woman on two wheels, Beryl Burton, who met and fell in love with follow cyclist Charlie Burton and together they found the freedom only found when cycling.

The play celebrates the extraordinary sporting achievements of this inspirational lady cyclist and the love affair with her husband on the open road.

Catch Beryl at Highbury Theatre from June 5-9. For tickets visit www.highburytheatre.co.uk

• Well that’s all for this week. Keep all your news and good quality colour photos coming to alison.norton@expressandstar.co.uk, call me on 01902 319662 or follow me on Twitter @AlisonNorton