ALAN Ayckbourn's dry comedy Absurd Person Singular is the Tavonians Theatre Company's choice for a production later this year — but you can hear a reading of it as part of Tavistock Music and Arts Festival.

The company was unable to take a greater part in the festival this year but is presenting the reading tonight (Thursday) at 7.30pm at Tavistock Guide Hall. Refreshments will be available.

The reading is open to everyone, whether they want to consider a role when the play is performed, or just to enjoy the reading, or even just listen. There is no entrance charge, just turn up at the hall at 7.30pm.

Absurd Person Singular is actually about Christmas, or rather three Christmases: past, present and future.

Each act is set in the kitchen of a couple hosting the others on Christmas Eve. Not everything goes according to plan, and there are marked changes in fortune and relationships over the three years. This is considered one of the best of Ayckbourn's many comedies.