BEYOND the fruit machine and the strong smell of beer and up some stairs, a play is in progress.

Although at the moment there's nothing elaborate in the way of scenery - just a few chairs represent the parameters of the stage - and the cast don't know any of their lines, this small gathering is essentially where it all starts for the Oswaldtwistle Players.

For this is the first proper rehearsal of A Night On The Tiles - the latest Players' production which will be staged at the Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre from October 20 - 23.

"It's the first time they've seen the set," confided director Lesley Jackson as the seven-strong cast streamed through the doors.

Lesley was obviously using the word "set" in the loosest sense of the word. A clutch of chairs were strewn around the room, some representing the walls of the house where the action takes place and another, sited at an angle, a few metres away.

"Don't sit there - you're sitting on the toilet!" shouted Lesley, as an unsuspecting onlooker poised to flop into the strategically-sited chair.

Indeed, the outdoor privy plays a pivotal part in the Lancashire comedy, for it is while locked in the loo that the lead character discovers he has been cuckolded by his brother.

The set for the play has already been designed and the Players will start looking for volunteers to help build it over the next few weeks.

Actress Samantha Payne, who plays Shirley, the play's love interest, started out her Oswaldtwistle Players career as behind-the-scenes help.

She said: "People don't realise how busy things are offstage.

"They only see the actors on the stage, but there's a lot to do behind the scenes too.

"I've helped out with the set build on previous shows and I've also done the sound. I think I was more nervous about that than being on stage!"

NEXT WEEK: The Players' very own Cissy and Ada take to the stage.

Stage Whispers

nPENDLE Opera's next production is Bizet's The Pearl Fishers - and auditions for principle roles will be held at Brierfield Methodist Church on Thursday, September 8.

The group would welcome new members of all voice parts.

Audition pieces are available from Sylvia Foster on (01282) 772941.

nOswaldtwistle Players will hold their annual general meeting tonight at 7.30pm at James St Club, Oswaldtwistle.

nGet togethers for Todmorden Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society's production of Chess will take place this Thursday , August 19 and 26 at Central Methodist Church, Bramsche Square in Todmorden at 7.30pm. Auditions follow at the Hippodrome Theatre on Tuesday, August 31 at 7.30pm and Sunday, September 5 at 2.30pm. TAODS invites anyone interested to come along or contact Linda Hooper on (01706) 812689.

Horrors of the Somme recalled

ST AMBROSE Players will perform Peter Whelen's play The Accrington Pals at the St Ambrose Church Hall in Leyland from Tuesday, August 17 to Saturday, August 21.

The play dramatises the turbulent emotions of the wives, mothers and girlfriends left behind in Accrington as their men went off to fight in World War One, culminating in the devastation of the Somme.

For tickets, costing £4.50 (£3.50 children and concessions - available Tuesday and Wednesday) call (01257) 270112.