This group has been in existence since the beginnings of U3A in Bath. The present convenor took over in 1990 and the format and purpose of the group has remained more or less the same since, with the membership naturally changing over the years but the numbers averaging 12. As we read mainly three act plays we take two sessions for a reading and if the play merits it, some discussion afterwards. Our aim is enjoyment and the opportunity for those who enjoy reading to do so in a congenial and uncritical atmosphere. Choice of play, decided amongst us, has provided a wide range from Greek tragedies and Shakespeare to Neil Simon and Michael Frayn, and plays such as Lady Windermere`s Fan and Alan Bennett`s Habeous Corpus.

We aim to read a complete play in each session. This is followed by tea, during which we can discuss the play. Play reading provides an opportunity to be someone else for a while, often someone of a different age and sometimes of the opposite sex. We enjoy this, and the need to come in on cue and react to what is happening keeps our minds active and alert. At the time of writing, we are four men and six women, which are convenient numbers and we are not really in a position to take in any new members, although vacancies will no doubt arise.