TURNPIKE Community Theatre is celebrating 20 years of presenting entertaining theatre in Leigh.

And the fun continues with Jo Shepherd's modernised Wuthering Heights based on Emily Bronte's classic runs for three nights, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 9, 10 and 11 (7.30pm start) at Xll Apostles Club in Westleigh Lane.

Set in a period spanning the 1970s to the present day it is directed by Neil Gredecki with artistic assistance from director and writer Mandy Precious.

Twenty years ago Twice Around the Turnpike was a community play written by local writers and staged in the empty David Brown engineering works.

Two hundred amateur actors and musicians rehearsed for several months with professional directors to stage a production which was based on local historical milestones relating to the mining and textile industries. Hundreds saw that production which led to the formation of Turnpike Community Theatre.

Gill David, former Tyldesley County Primary School head, was the first chairman, a position she still holds and has been responsible for securing lottery and Coalfield Challenge grants which have given TCT members opportunities to work with professional directors and musicians.

Strong links were forged with drama centre staff in Railway Road and also with the Pit Prop Theatre and initial performances were at the Theatre Upstairs at the college drama centre.

One youngster who started acting with a small part in Twice Around the Turnpike is Will Travis, now best known for his TV role in Where the Heart Is and for his stage school Will and a Way which he runs in Leigh.

Jo Shepherd and Alan Boardman look after the Junior Turnpike Theatre, which has provided workshops in music, dance and drama for younger members including Joseph Slack who is currently in the Harry Potter television ad.

The next junior production is being staged June 24-26 and is a thought-provoking play written by Jo Shepherd about issues surrounding teenage pregnancy.

Tickets for Wuthering Heights cost £4, children and senior citizens £3.50. New members and writers are welcome, more details from 01942 679933.