One of the biggest problems facing any voluntary organisation is finding people to take on the responsibility of running them and local theatre is no exception to this rule.

At present Theatre Orchard Project are searching for people to join their trustees in a voluntary capacity. For anyone with an interest in the performing arts this is something which is really rewarding and worthwhile.

With support funds already in place for the next three years, from The Arts Council South West, North Somerset Council and Fairshare, TOP have big plans to expand their work – but like all such organisations they rely heavily on voluntary support of every kind.

In recent years their work has included a project involving young parents from the Bournville Estate in Weston-super-Mare and starting on June 29 they will be returning to that area with a brand new project.

On that date they will be showcasing Persephone a story that highlights the clash of generations, which TOP feels is very relevant to today's society.

Just as they did with their last, very successful work at Bournville, Electra, they have gone back to ancient Greece for their subject matter.

The actual performances will take place in November of this year and judging by their past record these could be staged in many and various venues.

In the past you might have found a TOP production on top of Cadbury Hill in Yatton, on the Village Green in Pill and on Clevedon's seafront. During this year's Somerset Arts Week they could have been found in the beautiful redundant medieval Churches at Brockley and Puxton.

For further information about the Theatre Orchard Project try aldenvergano@clara.net or look on their web sight www.theatreorchard.org.uk.

After last year's disastrous summer weather all those clubs lining up open air productions will be frantically searching the long-range weather forecasts looking for a break in the cold weather that seems so reluctant to leave us.

At present I am compiling a list of open-air productions in the area and would welcome any information about times, places and details of productions.