This statement is only true if the word "dark" is regarded as relative because most Augusts the theatre is still a hive of activity. For example, this year, apart from the first three shows being in rehearsal and preparations, including two public performances, for Happy Jack to go to the Edinburgh fringe, there has been more than the usual maintenance and refurbishment going ahead.

Martyn Hooper has done a fantastic job on re-decorating the ladies dressing room (any offers to take on doing the men's?); Jim Brooks arranged a team from John Lewis to re-decorate the green room and, I may add, did the finishing off himself; Rose Dudley and her team have sorted and tidied the furniture and props store - which takes some doing; and Hugh Philip and Mark James have the wood store back into apple-pie order. A first step in a five year plan for the production side of staging has been taken with Simon Carter, Allan Green and Peter Hodgkinson doing a complete re-wiring of the auditorium. The dedication and perseverance with which they worked was exemplary. You may not see very much but we will all feel the benefit in increased efficiency for light, sound and projection. Speaking of which, the theatre has purchased a new projector so we are moving into the 21st Century. In addition, Peter and Alan organised a training session on light and sound at the end of August which was well attended so we should be welcoming new members to these teams. Work in the auditorium is still continuing but we will be up and running for the first auditorium production.

On more mundane matters, all the lanterns have been cleaned thanks to a team of willing volunteers who undertook this most unglamorous task and the annual PAT on portable appliances has been carried out.  The bar and kitchen have also received their annual clean. Those of you who found the push bars on the fire doors difficult to manipulate will be delighted to learn that Keith Parkinson has replaced them with a more manageable type.

I must mention an area of the theatre that can get overlooked - the wardrobe in Stoney Street. This asset not only provides us with a supply of costumes for productions which is the envy of many an amateur company, but the revenue from the costume hire pays the rent for the premises. I gather that this summer a massive re-organisation and cull has been carried out which, again may not be readily apparent, but should lead to increased efficiency in that area. I don't know all the names of those involved but they are the unsung heroes and heroines of the theatre.

Finally, we were faced with the unexpected. A leak in the roof in the studio space led to an investigation which means extensive work is needed both on the studio roof (the building dates from 1978) but also on the brick work of the original building, dating from c.1760. This has been commissioned and you have probably noticed the scaffolding down the side of the theatre. The weather forecast for next week looks promising so the work should be completed very soon.

Thanks to all the people who have been involved over the summer and all good wishes to all participating in any capacity in the coming season.