THEATRE lovers are in for a treat this month in Abingdon, with two shows of high drama.

First, BreakaLeg Productions will be presenting two Noel Coward plays for four nights next week Wed 9th to Sat 12th March.

Then, from March 16-19, also at the Unicorn Theatre, Abingdon Drama Club will be performing Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ,

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, written by Edward Albee, is widely considered one of the greatest pieces of 20th century drama. It features a quarrelling couple – George, a disillusioned academic and his caustic wife Martha – who are joined for a night-cap after a faculty party by a handsome young professor, Nick, and his mousy wife Honey. An innocent night of fun and games quickly turns dark and dangerous, with the secrets and lies of both couples uncovered.

Michael Ward, director of Abingdon Drama Club's production, said: "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is a brilliant piece of writing and a treat for the actors. The characters are so rich and the variety and depth of the emotions explored make it a fantastic challenge to perform.

"It features some of the most vitriolic moments in the whole of modern drama. It is a massive challenge for the cast, but fortunately I have four brilliantly talented actors, who are bringing all the vicious arguments and intensely emotional moments to life.

"We are staging the play in the round [of the theatre], which makes the drama much more immersive for both the actors and the audience."

BreakaLeg Productions' Noel Coward evening will feature two one-act plays.

Still Life was the basis for the much-loved film Brief Encounter. It tells the true love story set in a railway station buffet with comedy played out by buffet manageress Myrtle Bagot and her staff.

Fumed Oak features the amiable and long suffering Henry Gow who endures family life surrounded by his overbearing wife Doris, snivelling daughter Elsie, and ever-complaining mother-in-law Mrs Rockett.

The two Coward one-act plays will be performed each night at the Unicorn Theatre from Wednesday to Saturday, March 9-12, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £7 on Wednesday and Thursday, £8.50 on Friday and Saturday.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will run at the Unicorn Theatre, Checker Walk, Abingdon, at 7.30pm from Wednesday, March 16, to Saturday, March 19. Tickets are £10 (£8 concessions).

Tickets for both shows are available from The Bookstore, 15 Bury Street, Abingdon.