ONE the pillars of amateur dramatic scene in Taunton is celebrating its 90th birthday.

Taunton Thespians despite its age is going from strength to strength and is set to take to the stage at the Brewhouse Theatre with its latest production in November.

From November 7-11, the Thespians will be staging their production of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery: And Then There Were None.

The play is being directed by the chairman of Taunton Thespians, Michael Gilbert who appeared in the play many years ago but is now relishing the challenge of bringing this whodunnit to life for audiences next month.

Michael said: “What we want to do all the time is keep standards up as people expect a certain level of quality.

"It can be tricky for all of us to do productions and our jobs, it does feel like you have two jobs at once.

"What is important there are a lot of people who are capable of doing lot so things not just on stage but behind the scenery be it building sets or working in the wardrobe department.

"There is a large amount of fulfilment in doing this as Taunton is starved of straight theatre and musical theatre.

"However there are a number of amateur dramatic groups who put on plays which audiences want to come and see. We try and put on different shows which are a complete mix.

"And this Agatha Christie is one of her best and one which I am looking forward to directing.

"This is a great play with which to kick off our 90th season.

“It is a super play with great characters and a good plot.”

Michael is no stranger to this particular play as he appeared in a production of it in Plymouth in 1989 and as a member of the Taunton Thespians in 1992.

So which is it like for him to be in the directors chair instead of on stage.

He said: “For one thing I do not have to learn the words.

“What I do have to do is to have an overview of what is happening and keep the picture moving.

"What it all needs to look like is everything is natural..”

Tickets cost from £11 to £6 concessions.

Book online at thebrewhouse.net or by calling the box office on 01823 283 244.