SEE Chekhov one act comedies The Bear and The Proposal and help a theatre group with its fundraising.

Encore Theatre Club is staging the plays at Bridport Arts Centre on Monday, February 25, at 7.30pm, also in a bid to increase links with the local community.

Encore's new co-chairmen are John Haylock and Emma Batchelor

John said: “Anton Chekhov is better known for his serious work but these one-act domestic comedies explore the lunacy and hypocrisy of human foibles in a wild and hilarious manner, somehow unexpected from the 19th century Russian steppes.

"The plays explore the conflicts stirred up by greed and sexuality in the pre-revolution rural Russia where everyone is expected to behave very properly, but few actually do!

"Emma came across them during her drama studies a few years ago and is directing them with tremendous energy and inspiration”.

*Anton Chekhov's The Bear and The Proposal, Bridport Arts Centre, Monday, February 25, 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 and can be bought via the Arts Centre Website at www.bridport-arts.com or by calling 01308 424204.

Local groups can hire the players for their own events. The plays can be staged in any village hall or similar space, offering a half or full hour to any group who wish to lay on some fully costumed, ready-made comedy for their members. All they need is a small space to perform in and an audience ready to laugh themselves silly.

If you would like to find out more about booking the group for your own event, contact Encore at info@encorebridport.co.uk or visit their Facebook page for more information.