16th Avenue Theatre's Playgroup is proudly presenting a free dramatic reading of George Farquar's The Recruiting Officer tonight, from 7pm.

Written in 1706, the restoration comedy follows the risqué exploits of two army officers dispatched to the English town of Shrewsbury to recruit soldiers.

'We've got a very strong cast for the reading,” says play reading organiser David Guy. 'Many are heavily involved in the local theatre community and you'll recognise a few faces if you've been to shows here in Tauranga.”

So what is a dramatic reading?

'It is a night where us theatre folk love to read a play to an audience with scripts in hand. This is a fun night out with lots of candid moments and a few wines,” explains David.

After a hiatus, 16th Ave has recently started up their play readings which look to raise the theatre's profile in a fun, unique way.

They also give people who don't have the time to put towards a full production an opportunity to get involved with the theatre, adds David.

'They're also a brilliant and interesting night out for people in the community looking for something a little bit different.”

The free play reading of The Recruitment Officer takes place at 16th Avenue Theatre tonight, from 7pm. For more information visit: www.16avetheatre.co.nz