Mere Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS) is to stage a return – after the longest interval in its 73-year history.

The society will return to the stage of the town’s Lecture Hall from November 18 to 20 with their autumn production, comprising four short plays, both published and original.

The format was chosen so that covid advice could be observed in rehearsals as it will be for performances.

There will be shows at 7.30pm on all three nights, with a 2.30 matinee on the last day.

The featured plays are Day Tripper by Jean McConnell, Plaster from Visiting Hour by Richard Harris, My Boy Jonah by A. Howell, after which the audience are invited to ‘tune in’ to a radio comedy, New Year Resolution, by Dorothy Paterson.

The latter two plays are of local interest. The MADS award-winning team of Adrienne Howell (writer) and Mary White (actor) join up again to present a new play, My Boy Jonah.

And Dorothy Paterson was the radio pen-name of children’s author Sheila Bishop, who retired to South Petherton. Her daughter is Rose Cox, a former resident of Mere, who will be returning to watch MADS perform her mother’s play.

This autumn there will be no entry charge for the performances although voluntary donations for MADS are welcome. Audience numbers are limited so don’t miss out – book your seats by phone on 01747 861257 or 07539 329798.