My first opportunity to take part in a 'proper' play; previous appearances have been in musicals where I have tried my best to lurk at the back.

It's proving to be terrific fun. If you don't know it, the story involves reversing the usual conditions of light and dark on stage - it is set during a black-out. Carol and Brindsley, an engaged couple, have invited a millionaire to see Brindsley's sculpture, and to impress him and Carol's father, have 'borrowed' antiques and furniture from a neighbour. The lights fuse and the arrival of several unexpected visitors wrecks the evening.

So, for most of the play we are having to grope around and not look at each other as if the stage is dark. The director is proving remarkably patient - if you discount comments about windmills and daleks. We've been instructed to practise walking around in darkness at home. It is a shame we can't sell tickets to the rehearsals, because they are - as Carol (that's me!) would say - 'screamingly amusing'.

How I wish I got involved in am dram years ago!