Thespians in Southwold are hoping for a trouble-free year after the line-up for the town's Summer Theatre was announced.

Thespians in Southwold are hoping for a trouble-free year after the line-up for the town's Summer Theatre was announced.

Suffolk Summer Theatres, which also performs in Aldeburgh, is now in its 22nd season at Southwold's St Edmunds Hall and, after experiencing funding problems last year, the mood is optimistic after tickets for this year's programme went on sale.

Tickets for all five productions are selling well and Jill Freud, from the theatre, said she was looking forward to the first performance in July.

"Last year we had a £6000 grant from Waveney District Council withdrawn just before the season started and this was a blow to our budget as we are a non-profit making venture. Fortunately the Friends of the theatre came to the rescue. We also had problems with accommodation for actors and when Sutherland House closed that was a blow as it is where we put on our lunchtime performances.

"But this year things are looking brighter. We're very excited about our programme."

The first show of the season is the comedy Hobson's Choice on July 7 and July 19. This is followed on July 21 and 30 by Growing Old Disgracefully, written by theatre members Andy Powrie and Bill Cashmore.

On August 1 and 13 the company will host Tons of Money, adapted by Alan Ayckbourn; August 15 and 27 will see performances of the musical Dames At Sea; and on August 29, Sept 1 and 10 the season will be brought to a close with suspense thriller Wait Until Dark.

All five shows will also be performed in Aldeburgh between July and August.

"It is particularly pleasing for us to be able to put on a mid-August musical as a lot of people who travel from all over the country to the theatre are only able to come in August so this should prove very popular," said Mrs Freud.

On April 15, before the season begins, the Friends AGM will take place in Walberswick. Actor, author and newspaper columnist Michael Simkins will be guest speaker.

Friends of the theatre can book by contacting 01502 722638 for Southwold or, from May 2, 01394 382199 for Aldeburgh. Tickets for Southwold go on general sale in May and for Aldeburgh in June.