HAMILTON’s Dramus/Hadden Theatre Group proudly presents its latest shows, ‘A Trio of One-Act Plays’ next weekend and the following with three locals having a tilt at leading the plays as first-time directors.

Charlotte Stanhope, Tom Barras and Abbey Northcott are all excited to present the shows at the Hadden Theatre in Brown Street.

The trio of plays includes Onion Rings directed by Abbey Northcott, Spiral written, directed and starring Ms Stanhope, and The New Neighbours by Mr Barras, and are all sure to thrill, bring mystery and laughter and heartwarming fun for the audience.

Ms Northcott’s production, Onion Rings: A Tale of a Very Bad Date, is about a woman, Shirley Oswald, who has recently returned to her hometown to attend a school reunion.

Whilst staying with some friends, Marilyn Karr and Jackie Bensley, she is contacted by an ‘old flame’ of hers, Bill Wilkins.

He claims to have been in love with Shirley for years, since Grade 4 to be precise, and asks her on a date, much to the jealousy of Marilyn and Jackie.

However, the years have not been good to Bill, and unbeknownst to the three women, onion rings would be the cause of a very enjoyable night for Bill, yet a very unfortunate night for poor Shirley.

Mr Barras’ play, The New Neighbours is a murder mystery.

When dead bodies start appearing in their village, two busybody housewives believe they know which of their neighbours is the killer and set out to expose them.

Ms Stanhope said she was thoroughly looking forward to directing her first play, Spiral, that she also wrote.

“It is my first time directing and I am also acting in it, which is very exciting,” she said.

“My play is a psychological thriller, but some parts will be amusing.

“It’s about a woman who is having an affair with her best friend’s husband and believes that her own husband is blackmailing her after receiving threatening letters.”

Ms Stanhope said it was thrilling for the trio to be each directing a play.

“We are all first-time directors and are extremely excited to be making our debut.

“Community theatre is something that we’re very passionate about, and we cannot wait to showcase our performances.”

The performances will be held at 8pm on Friday, July 26; Saturday, July 27; Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3, with one Sunday matinee performance on July 28 at 2pm.

Tickets are available at the door or by booking at trybooking.com/events/landing/1259878