ALAN Bennett's brilliantly funny play The History Boys is being staged at the Pavilion Theatre Gorleston from March 4-6.Des Barrit, who did the National Tour playing the role of Hector, is not only taking a master class but has also agreed to reprise his role for this production.

ALAN Bennett's brilliantly funny play The History Boys is being staged at the Pavilion Theatre Gorleston from March 4-6.

Des Barrit, who did the National Tour playing the role of Hector, is not only taking a master class but has also agreed to reprise his role for this production. Sheilagh Pascall who is directing this performance is very excited about working with Des, however at this moment she is looking for a bunch of bright, funny and enthusiastic individuals to take on the roles of the History Boys.

Information and auditions are to be held on Saturday, January 16 at 7pm. Anyone interested please either turn up on the evening or for more information or an alternative audition date, please contact the theatre on 01493 662832.

Dusmagrik Productions are holding open auditions on Sunday for Musical Magic 2010 at Cliff Park High School, Gorleston.

Senior Dancers 14yrs+ at 11am (dance routine will be taught at the audition), tap and pointe work an advantage but not essential. Senior Chorus and Senior Soloists 14yrs+ at noon (CD player will be available), Comedy Female (compere) 14yrs+ at 1.30pm, prepare a comedy monologue. Musical Magic 2010 will be performed at The Hippodrome, Great Yarmouth on April 16 and 17.

The curtain has fallen on the last performance of Dick Whittington at the Pavilion Theatre, Gorleston - a record breaking run.

The traditional family pantomime was staged by Ohyesitiz Productions. Next year's production is already in planning and the theatre will be able to announce the production once all contracts have been returned. However, such is the Pavilion's reputation for fine panto it has already sold out one of the 2pm matinees to people and groups as they left this year's show!

Music, singing, speech and drama with amateur performers of all ages and abilities will feature at this year's Gorleston St Andrew's Competitive Festival.

The festival, from March 8 to 20, offers a wide variety of Classes with opportunities for solo, duet, ensemble, orchestral or choral participation. To celebrate the festival's 40th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the Gorleston Millennium Manuscript, Poetry Reading Classes, selected poems will be read from the Manuscript.

The festival syllabus has been distributed to schools and music teachers and can be obtained from libraries and music shops or on 01493 601740. The closing date for entry is Sunday, January 31. A Folk Workshop and Ceilidh will also form part of the festival celebrations. At a workshop, guided by Laura Cannell on Saturday, March 12 participants will have the opportunity to work with experienced folk musicians to produce a group performance of folk tunes, followed by a Ceilidh, led by the Tutti Ceilidh Band.