I joined Progress Theatre in 1989, so I've been a member for 28 years - blimey!  It is "probably" the best amateur theatre group in Reading - nah, that is too PC - it is the best group in Reading! I have been lucky enough to act, direct, produce, stage manage and make the tea over the years, and help on the management committee in various roles including chairman.

Progress Theatre is a self-governing, self-funding theatre group founded in 1946 and maintained by volunteers. As a registered charity, it is committed to promoting education in the performing arts as well as producing a programme of varied, interesting and challenging drama to the highest standard. It also takes part in various initiatives to support the local community. The theatre’s vibrant youth group gives young people an opportunity to develop new skills, meet people and grow in confidence, and in some cases, such as Kenneth Brannagh, go on to have a successful career in the dramatic arts. The more recent outreach programme run by the Progress Theatre aims to raise awareness and support people with dementia in the local community. As this community theatre does not receive local or central government funding, it is entirely reliant on volunteers and support from people like you, so thank you for your support. Your contributions will go towards an initiative to fix the theatre’s car park which has been in need of a complete make-over for over 10 years.

So I am going to jump out of a plane over Salisbury Plain on 11 June but fortunately it will be a tandem jump and my "partner" will be responsible for pulling the cord at the appropriate time - I hope!

Please feel free to make a donation through this page to the Progress Theatre charity so that we can provide a proper car park for our audiences and members! Any amount you can afford will be appreciated.