ROSSENDALE Players present Dead of Night, a topical thriller, which will run from Saturday, January 31 to Saturday, February 7 (except Monday, February 2) in the New Millennium Theatre at 7.30pm.

Jack has been acquitted of manslaughter and regales his girlfriend Maggie and their neighbours Lynne and Dennis with a disparaging account of the trial.

According to the evidence, most of it Jack's, the victim Philip Mercer had broken in late at night and, on being confronted by Jack, produced a gun. In the ensuing struggle Jack got hold of the gun and used it to kill Mercer. A clear case of self-defence. Or was it?

Mercer's family doesn't seem to think so and, as the action unfolds, Maggie, Lynne and Dennis begin to have their doubts too.

We gradually learn more about what really happened that night, until the truth is finally revealed, with tragic results.

The cast includes Franco Paolucci as Jack, Samantha Payne as Maggie, Mark Storton as Dennis and Michelle Arthur as Lynne and is directed by Colin Braidford.

Tickets for Dead of Night cost £5 (concessions £4 - no concessions Saturday February 7). Call (01706) 228720.

nBLACKBURN Drama Club is preparing to celebrate its 60th anniversary on January 30.

This event will take place at the Astley Bank Hotel in Darwen. There will be a sit-down buffet and speeches from the president, chairman and two past members, Coronation Street star Madge Hindle and Bill Shaw, who will talk about The Pleasurable Problems Of Being An Actor.

The meal starts at 8pm, but guests can arrive any time after 7pm. For more information call (01254) 247510. The price for the evening is £20.

nA HEARTWARMING production that's ideal for the frosty, January weather is being staged by St Cuthbert's Society until Saturday.

The Queen of Hearts, a pantomime by Wilfred Miller, is running at St Cuthbert's School, Lynwood Avenue, Darwen at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm. For tickets (adults £5, children £4) call (07989) 582390.