THE show must go on, and despite the devastating fire at Long Eaton's Duchess Theatre the Riverside Drama Company has moved swiftly to find an alternative venue where it can stage its forthcoming production entitled Secondary Cause of Death.

The play, a murder farce, is now being performed in St John's Church Hall in College Street, Long Eaton, which is a relief for the Riverside team who have been busy rehearsing and like many other groups were shocked and saddened to learn about the fire. 

Riverside has recently moved from the John Clifford School in Nether Street, Beeston, which it has used as its rehearsal base for the past seven years, to a new base at Bramcote C of E Primary School in Hanley Avenue, Bramcote. 

It was touch and go as to whether Riverside could find a new venue in time. 

Riverside stalwart Martin Holtom was generous in his praise of amateur theatrical group the St John's Players who helped them. 

"Without the support and co-operation of the St John's Players and the church officials we could never have managed to have done what we have done. 

"We were looking forward to performing again at the Duchess Theatre, which has become a jewel in the crown of amateur theatre since its impressive refurbishment, but the recent events have left us and many other groups like ours devastated by what has happened," said Mr Holtom. 

Secondary Cause of Death by Peter Gordon is a follow-up to his Murder to Death which was staged by Riverside in 1995, and is set around a murder mystery evening which takes place at a country mansion in 1939. 

Rob Osmond directs the play which features Pat Tuffin as the hapless Inspector Pratt, Martin Holtom who takes on two roles in Colonel Craddock and Cardew Longfellow, and Liz O'Hara who is cast as an army captain. 

Joining in the mayhem in what is described as "an hilarious farce" are Moya Magee, John Lomas, Janet Bradbery, Pat Clarke, Jo East and newcomer Amy Hall who plays Nurse Ann Parsley.

Tickets are priced £5 adults and £3.50 concessions. The play is being staged on Thursday, November 27 to Saturday, November 29 at 7.30 each night. To reserve a ticket phone 0115-8750506 or pay at the door at St John's Church Hall, College Street, Long Eaton on the night. The group's Website is www.riversidedrama.com