READING between the lines it is easy to see that theatre veterans Elsie Kelly and Gordon (Tex) Hall love the theatre and everything surrounding it writes Lorna Phelan. Such is their dedication that the couple are currently making a gruelling 180 mile trip every week from their home in Liverpool to Abergavenny to direct and star in a new production by writer and Abergavenny Chronicle editor Liz Davies. Speaking to the couple during one of the production's rehearsals they said they were delighted to be returning to Abergavenny. For Abergavenny born Gordon, it is an extra special occasion as the production reunites him with some of the actors with whom he shared the Borough's stage almost 40 years ago. "I return regularly because my mum still lives here and I love coming back ," the sprightly actor said. "Last time I was on this stage was in 1962 in the AAODS production of Merry Widow when I played Danilo and Brenda Harris, who is now appearing in Between the Lines, was Valencienne". Also appearing in the 1962 production was chairman of the Borough Theatre's voluntary management committee Adoree Flower. His return to Abergavenny, sees Gordon perform alongside local actor Rita Rouse to play mis-matched couple, Harry and Grace, enjoying a holiday romance with a difference thanks to hotel owner Billy Berkley, played by Anthony Monaghan. "This play is tremendous fun. It has very good roles and is an intriguing idea," Gordon said. "It's very nice to see someone writing a part for someone who's quite mature - as you get older there is not a lot of good parts available." The actor also expressed his delight to be once again treading the boards of the Borough Theatre. "For me it's like working in a new theatre because, of course, it's all been refurbished since I was last here, but it is a lovely theatre and it's a pleasure to appear here. I just wish I did not have so much to say although it's great to see, at my age, I am still able to remember some lines, although not necessarily in the right order," he laughed. When he is not in Abergavenny busily rehearsing for the show's big night on Saturday, September 24, Gordon is back home in Liverpool preparing for other forthcoming productions. "I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to appear in both amateur and professional theatre. "At the end of October I am going to be appearing at the Liverpool Empire in Twopence to Cross the Mersey, based on the best selling book by Helen Forrester, in Liverpool. I appeared in it last year, but this production has been re-written and this time I have a song. "I have done all sorts of other things and I regularly record talking books for the United States." Between the Lines is directed by Gordon's wife, Elsie Kelly, who has previously acted in shows as varied as Crossroads and Harry and the Wrinklies , in which she co-starred with Mona Bruce, Gareth Hunt, and 'local lad' Victor Spinetti. Despite her successful acting career Elsie says her first love is directing. "I have directed about 62 musicals at the Liverpool Empire and a further 30 or so in other theatres, it's what I love to do," she said. "I did help with another of Liz's early plays called Solitude Standing, so I have known her for a few years now. "Then she started writing this play to bring Gordon back to Abergavenny, and asked me to direct it and I didn't hesitate. To do so I have been coming from Liverpool during the night on Thursday, rehearsing Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, then returning home for three days a week in Liverpool where I am currently directing a show called The Best of British, which will be followed by Hello Dolly." Despite her busy schedule Elsie insisted she was enjoying this opportunity to work on this production. "The cast is excellent, it is a very well cast piece and we are all enjoying it enormously. "I absolutely love working in this theatre, it's a very, very good venue and people are very lucky to have it, especially as elsewhere other small theatres are closing. "It's lovely because it is quite the opposite to Liverpool Empire which has got 2,400 seats - this is so much more intimate," she laughed. Gordon added, "It's hard work, but you do it because you love it and we are pleased to be coming to Abergavenny, having the opportunity to appear in this lovely theatre and I hope a lot of old friends will come to see it."

• Between the Lines can be seen at the Borough Theatre on Saturday, September 24. Tickets cost £8, concessions £7, and are available from the theatre's box office on 01873 850805.