Why is the Christmas tree going up at Hillsburgh's Century Church Theatre? The cast of the next Century Theatre Guild production is getting into character for their roles in "The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol", by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jr.

Since their introduction at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival a few years ago, the mythical Farndale ladies have taken the world by storm in a series of hilarious plays that have a dedicated following of enthusiasts around the world.

Imagine a group of ladies from the Townswomen's Guild, with rather more enthusiasm than talent, putting on a play. Mrs. Reece has been president forever, and rules the roost, trying to keep her motley cast on track, despite a series of disasters. Thelma fancies herself a great dramatic actress, and tends to confuse the role of Scrooge with that of Macbeth. Felicity is keen but nervous, while Mercedes has recently been the victim of a supermarket-trolley accident. They are assisted by Gordon, not of course a Guild member, and certainly not an actor, but willing to bumble his way through any role assigned to him.

Directed by Neville Worsnop and produced by Nick Holmes, the show brings back some familiar faces. Carol McCone of Terra Cotta, and Bev Nicholas and Jo Hubbard from Dundalk, were seen in the recent hugely popular CTG production of "Move Over Mrs. Markham", while Samantha Russell is best known as Principal Boy in the last two pantomimes, and as a regular with Orangeville Music Theatre.

Jill Peterson, a resident of Guelph and a teacher at Brisbane Public School, will be remembered for her leading role in "Homechild", and is appearing with the Guild for the first time.

Everyone plays several roles, portraying their Guild persona as well as characters in "A Christmas Carol". "It takes a lot of skill and understanding to convey incompetence successfully," says director Worsnop. "This cast is very experienced, and pulls it off brilliantly."

The show runs from June 14 to 23, with evening performances Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays, and a matinee on Saturday, June 23.

Tickets are $15-18, including all taxes and charges, and seats can be reserved by calling the box office at 519-855-4586 or by visiting the website, www. centurychurchtheatre.com

On Wednesday, June 14, you can spend the evening in Hillsburgh and take in the annual Strawberry Supper at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church before the show.