AN actress in Blackburn Drama Club’s last play of the season will bring her experience of seeing writer and director Alan Ayckbourn in action to the production.

Claire St Pierre plays Kate in Ayckbourn’s Bedroom Farce, being staged by the Thwaites Empire Theatre-based company.

She studied at University College Scarborough in the late-1990s, and worked at the town’s Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) – where the acclaimed playwright was artistic director until 2009.

“While I was there I performed in a professional touring production directed by Dr Eric Prince and commissioned by Alan Ayckbourn and North Yorkshire Tourist Board,” said Claire, who is now a teacher.

“This was my first professional production and the tour kicked off at the SJT. “As a student, I worked at the SJT as a receptionist. I have seen Alan direct, watched several of his productions, listened to him talk about his playwriting and directing experiences and have taken part in his master classes. “Working at SJT allowed me to have frequent chats with the cast and Alan’s second wife, Heather, who gave me some sound career advice.”

Bedroom Farce is a story of four couples – each at various stages in marriage – trying to have an enjoyable evening and get a good night’s sleep.

Ernest and Delia, played by Roger Boardman and Jean Jones, are set for a rare night out for their anniversary, but Delia is concerned about their son Trevor and his wife Susannah (Matt Jolley and Emily Burrell).

At Jan and Nick’s (Kate Roberts and Ian Murray) house, Nick is incapacitated in bed and Jan is about to go to Malcolm and Kate’s (Paul McGowan and Claire St Pierre) house-warming party.

* Bedroom Farce, Blackburn Drama Club, Thwaites Empire Theatre, from Wednesday, June 15 until Saturday, June 18, 7.30pm. Tickets £9 from 01254 685500 or online at www.thwaitesempiretheatre.co.uk.