ONE
AT THE end of Improbable Fiction - Hyde Heath Drama Group's spring presentation
- Arnold Hassocks says: "Quite a quiet meeting[2026] nothing unusual happened." And yet nothing could be further from the truth.
Arnold (Adam Wood) is a writer of instruction manuals and chairman of the local Pendon Writers' Circle, a group of aspiring, though not very good, authors.
On a night close to Christmas, the Circle meets at Arnold's house to discuss their works. Only six members turn up: Jess Bales (Estie Edwards) a local farmer and writer of historical romance; Grace Sims (Lorraine Sutherland), housewife and children's fiction; Vivvi Dickens (Sarah Caslon), journalist and crime fiction; local council worker Clem Pepp (Howard Elson) science fiction; retired teacher Brevis Winterton (Rodney Edmeades) musical adaptations and Isla Wolby (Mary Cookley), shop assistant. All six are struggling to be creative - none has ever had any work published.
The chairman attempts to get the group out of a rut by suggesting that they collaborate together on a piece of writing - an idea that is received without enthusiasm.
However, after the meeting has finished and Arnold is clearing up, there is a storm brewing, a clap of thunder and the story that would have resulted from the unlikely collaboration takes place before his very eyes as Jane Austin forms an unholy alliance with Agatha Christie, Raymond Briggs, Ray Bradbury and Andrew Lloyd-Webber and a galaxy of characters comes to life.
Written by Alan Ayckbourn, Improbable Fiction is a sharp and satirical comedy, verging at times on the zany, written in the author's inimitable imaginative style.
Directed by Sally Carrington, the play is staged for three nights only at Hyde Heath Village Hall from April 30 to May 2. Tickets are available from the box office (01494 776 193), Hyde Heath Village Store or on the door.
What? Improbable Fiction
Where? Hyde Heath Village Hall
When? April 30 to May 2
Cost? £9, £8 (concs) - refreshments - free
Contact: 01494 776 193
TWO
THIS exhibition celebrates the work of Mary Orrom, one of Buckinghamshire's most distinguished and best-loved artists. Renowned throughout the county, her work has also been widely shown both nationally and internationally. Her sculptures use a remarkable variety of means and materials to explore our physical and emotional relationship with the natural world and to interrogate the interdependence of all living things.
What? Mary Orrom exhibition
Where? One Church Street Gallery
When? Until June 6
Cost? Free
Contact: lyndsey@onechurchstreet.co.uk 01494 863 344
THREE
ROALD Dahl's enchanting story The BFG is performed at Watford Palace Theatre from April 28.
When little orphan Sophie is snatched out of her bed in the dead of night by the BFG she fears the worst. His grisly neighbours the Bloodbottler and the Fleshlumpeater like nothing more than swalloping human beans, especially nice little childers, but the Big Friendly Giant is a dream maker and not a man-eater and he's about to take Sophie on a journey she never expected!
An undisputed national treasure and the world's favourite children's author, Roald Dahl has enchanted young minds for more than 25 years with stories that fire the imagination, bring dreams to life and release squeals of both terror and delight.
The BFG is classic Dahl and this brand new stage show promises to mix up heart-pounding adventures with life-long friendships, jumbly words and even some whizzpopping in front of the Queen.
What? Roald Dahl performance
Where? Watford Palace Theatre
When? April 28 onwards
Call? 01923 225 671
Cost? Adults from £12.50, children from £10
FOUR
DESPERADO, tribute band to the Eagles, play at the Elgiva in Chesham next Friday, May 1.
Eagles music is simply timeless, appealing to audiences of every age, bringing back memories and touching the hearts and souls of each new generation. The band themselves have released their first new studio album in 27 years - their new singles How Long and Busy Being Fabulous already give testament to the longevity of their unique feel-good effect.
Desperado are a six piece ensemble of accomplished musicians from around the UK.
The show - over two hours, including all the classics - will fly by, and feature unsurpassable sweet vocal harmonies layered over note perfect guitar breaks, licks, slides, and solos.
What? Eagles tribute act
Where? Elgiva, Chesham
When? Friday, May 1
Call: 01494 582 900
Cost: £15, £14 (concs)
email: boxoffice@elgiva.com
FIVE
THE UK's number one Elvis production is back at the Theatre Royal in Windsor on May 17.
An outstanding concert tour production of the West End show Jailhouse Rock with original star Mario Kimbou and Ivor Novello, and awarding wining musical director, David MacKay, leading this incredible bank.
Over 40 years of your favourite hits from the early, innovative days of That's All Right, Mama, appearances on TV's Ed Sullivan Show, the movie years with GI Blues and Jailhouse Rock, plus the famous 1968 Comeback Special finishing with the stunning performances in Las Vegas and Suspicious Minds.
This is as close as you get to the King. To book tickets, contact the box office on 01753 853888 or visit www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk .
What? The Elvis Years
Where? Theatre Royal, Windsor
When? Sunday, May 17
Call: 01753 853 888
Cost: £12-30.50
