COLNE Dramatic Society has packed its Baggage for 2013-14, and is now inviting would-be actors to a party for its next season of plays.

The Little Theatre-based company closed its season with the comedy Baggage last week and is now preparing for the 2014-15 series.

After working their way through the Last Of The Red Hot Lovers, Love On The Dole and 84 Charing Cross Road, the season will close with the Mike Leigh modern classic Abigail’s Party. Tonight, a reading and casting night will take place for 84, Charing Cross Road, which is to be directed by Richard Sanderson, and will be on stage from March 2 to 9. Anyone interested in joining the cast of four men and five women can attend from 7.30pm.

The play revisits a 20-year correspondence between staff at an antique book store and the author to create a touching work.

Next Wednesday, May 21, director Gilly Grist will host the reading for Abigail’s Party from 7pm. The Mike Leigh comedy sees three women and two men spending an evening in each other’s company, while a teenager’s party rages next door.

Marilyn Crowther will be directing Last Of The Red Hot Lovers, to open the season from October 6 to 11.

The 1969 comedy, by Neil Simon, follows middle-aged, married man Barney Cashman – a gentle soul – as he bids to joins the sexual revolution before it’s too late. We see his encounters with three very different women – an actress, a sexpot and a staunch moralist. The casting takes place on May 28, 7.30pm.

Love On The Dole will be directed by John Mills, running from December 1 to 6, and has already been cast. The ‘very real’ issues, set shortly after the General Strike of 1926, still resonate today, as individual strength pervails over financial hardship.

All the readings take place at the River Street theatre.