EARLIER this year, members of the Exeter Northcott Theatre?s community involvement programme ? the Northcott Community Company ? wrote, directed and acted in 18 plays about rural issues which were performed under the banner title of Pen & Trough in the wholly appropriate venue of the Matford Livestock Centre in Exeter. Demand for tickets far exceeded the capacity of the venue, and now six of these 15 minute plays ? highlighting the drama, tragedy and humour of life in the country ? have been developed, re-cast and re-rehearsed and are touring to communities at the heart of rural Devon. Pen & Trough On Tour goes to Hatherleigh Community Centre on Friday October 19 and at The Victory Hall, Lewdown on Thursday October 25. All of the actors who take part are non-professional performers of all ages and from all walks of life. Pen & Trough On Tour has benefited from the guidance of professional playwright Nick Discombe and Exeter Northcott Theatre Artistic Director Ben Crocker. The tour is stage managed by Rachel Hartland and lighting is by Scott Maxwell, both theatre professionals at the Exeter Northcott. Tickets for all venues can be obtained from the Exeter Northcott Theatre Box Office on 01392 493493 and online at http://www.exetertickets.co.uk">www.exetertickets.co.uk and cost just £5. The theatre itself is currently closed for refurbishment and will re-open to the public in December.
