I FIRST visited Salisbury more than 40 years ago. I’d just completed my probationary year as a primary school teacher in Kent and was cycle camping with a companion around southern England.

We pitched our tent under the shadow of Old Sarum and decided to treat ourselves to an evening out at the theatre.

We had a meal at the Playhouse restaurant and settled down to watch a new play by a playwright I’d then never heard of, part of a trilogy called ‘The Norman Conquests’. The view from our tent very much in mind, we were expecting a rather dry history play so were completely taken aback by what transpired. A fabulous, funny evening and an introduction to Alan Ayckbourn.

Sadly, the next day we had to be on our way so missed seeing the other two plays.

We visited the cathedral earlier in the day and I was invited to inscribe my name on a piece of glass. In return for a modest donation to the restoration fund, I was told that it would be placed in the refurbished tower for posterity. We were on a tight budget. After due deliberation, we declined and spent the money instead on a cream tea at the refectory, a decision I regretted when recently on a tour of the tower I was shown the glass engravings in situ; fancy trading posterity for a scone! The final highlight of our visit was a trip to the laundrette to dry out our wet clothes!

Twenty five years later (and exactly 15 years ago today) I returned to Salisbury, this time to make it my home; a decision I do not regret. I was delighted to find that, despite my lack of earlier support, the spire is still standing, the laundrette still in business and the Playhouse goes from strength to strength!

We are so lucky to have the Playhouse in Salisbury one of a number of arts venues. For decades it has produced plays of its own, brought stars and productions to the city, showcased budding talent and given generations of children their first taste of a Christmas panto.

Live theatre is always exciting, engaging , entertaining and, as I discovered all those years ago, often surprising. Let’s hope that the aspiration of Wiltshire Creative “to secure a bright future for audiences, artists and participants” becomes its reality.

Saturday night I was back in the Playhouse enjoying The Habit of Art by the incomparable Alan Bennett. I’m not sure I understood what the play was about, but it was funny, sad, witty, sharp and held a few surprises. It took me out of myself after a stressful week. From its pubs to its Playhouse, Salisbury abounds in live entertainment. One of the things that makes it such a special place to live. Make the most of them!