A MILESTONE in Oldbury Rep's history is being performed next week - the theatre's 500th production.

Noel Coward's classic comedy Private Lives is the latest offering at the Barlow Theatre during its 77th season.

The play is set during a romantic evening in 1930s France where Amanda and Victor are enjoying their first evening as newlyweds, blissfully unaware Amanda’s ex-husband Elyot and his beautiful young wife Sybil are celebrating their own honeymoon next door.

Private Lives was groundbreaking when first performed as it followed the flirtations, frivolities, aggression and anger between sparring newlyweds whose pasts had caught up with them.

The comedy was one of Noel Coward's most successful plays with several successful Broadway runs starring Coward himself, Laurence Olivier, Tallulah Bankhead, Gertrude Lawrence, Tammy Grimes, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

This production is dedicated to the memory of former Oldbury Rep chairman Doreen Bastaple, who died in November, and Paul Spilsbury, a master costumier who recently passed away.

New chairman Christopher Smith said: “We are very proud to say that this production is Oldbury Rep’s 500th main house production, quite an achievement for any amateur theatre.

"Little did that group of people from the elocution class at Oldbury Technical School know what they had started back in 1939 when they decided to perform plays and create Oldbury Rep."

He added: "Since then well over 1000 different people have appeared on stage in our shows and many more have helped backstage and front of house we must say a big thank you to our loyal audiences that have been good enough to come and see our shows.

"We hope that we have been able to give entertainment and pleasure to all in whatever capacity.

"However, we know while the past is important we are always looking to the future and can assure you that with your continued support we will continue to provide live theatre and entertainment for years to come.”

The production runs from Saturday, May 7 until Saturday, May 14, and performances start at 7.30pm.

For more information phone 0121 552 2761.