If you only visit the theatre once this year, make sure its Blackwood Little Theatre for their double bill of one-act plays written by long standing member, Vic Mills.

Whilst most theatres are winding down or closing for the summer, these stalwarts are demonstrating how thay have become our most successful company at the annual Gwent One Act Play festival, in fact, winning it this year, with the first of the evening's offerings, Gentlemen and Players.

Under the sharp directorship of Neil Maidman, this cleverly written piece mixes historical fact with human interest fiction to fashion a neat and quirky piece based on the friendship and indeed rivalry between playwrights Ben Jonson and William Shakespeare.

Without being contrived, the relationship conjured between Jonson (David Livingstone) and Shakespeare (Vic Mills) is full of bawdry humour, energy and depth which is then perfectly balanced by the appearance of Shakespeare's father (Peter Musto).

Mills' second play, Edge of the Woods, by contrast, is set in a contemporary comprehensive school and proves disturbing in its credibility.

Insightful yet concise, a small, well-rehearsed cast handle the traumatic storyline with confidence and honesty.

Full credit again to Neil Maidman in fully exploiting all their talents, and indeed ensuring the future of the company with the introduction of talented newcomers, Fay Grummitt and Emma Percy.

You have until Saturday to catch up with the plays.