Drama in Claygate

October 2024

Rehearsals are under way for what promises to be an engaging and hilarious pantomime from the Claygate Dramatic Society, which will perform “The 12 Days of Christmas” for three nights from Thursday November 21 in Claygate Village Hall.

Following the success of last year’s panto, Dawn Lacey is once again directing and has assembled an excellent cast from Claygate and beyond. The plot involves an Advent calendar with 12 doors—but keys to the doors are hidden by the villain. It’s a high energy tale from panto playwright Alan P Frayn.

The box office is now open for the five shows—at 7.30 on Thursday November 21 and Friday November 22, and at 2.15pm, 5.30pm and 8pm on Saturday November 23. Tickets cost £15 for an adult, £11 for a child, and £45 for a family. There is one free ticket for an adult accompanying 10 children attending the Saturday matinees. They are available by phone from 0208 398 8660, or email from belitacharrington@hotmail.co.uk, or by post via the website: https://www.claygatedramaticsociety.co.uk/.

SHERLOCK DISCOVERS NEW STARS

The Society was delighted at the amazing response to its spring production, The Hound of the Baskervilles. Two new stars emerged in the form of Claygate residents Clare Cowan and Matt Girling, playing Watson and Sir Henry, with established Society member Ian Royce playing Sherlock Holmes. The Society always welcomes new members—email info@claygatedramaticsociety.co.uk. The are many roles to fill—on stage and off.

source: Claygate Courier, October 2024 issue, page 23

March 2024

SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS EVERYWHERE

The Hound of the Baskervilles

Thursday April 18 – Saturday April 20, at 7.30pm

The Hound of the Baskervilles will be staged by Claygate Dramatic Society in April. Adapted from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes story by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, this production is described by The Telegraph as “A wonderfully barking spoof”. Expect all the usual characters – Holmes, Dr Watson and Sir Henry Baskerville – plus a host of suspicious characters.

There is dark foreboding and plenty of laughs as Holmes and Watson try to uncover the mystery surrounding the legend of a gigantic hound. Can they stop Sir Henry being attacked? Will they fall prey to Dartmoor’s dreaded Grimpen Mire? And who is the mysterious stranger who appears uncannily out of the mist?

For the answer to all these questions and more, come along to Claygate Village Hall. The show runs from Thursday April 18 to Saturday 20 at 7.30pm, plus a matinee at 3.30pm on the Saturday.

Tickets are £20, including a fish and chip supper provided by the Claygate Fish Inn, or £12 for the ma􀀛nee (no meal). A vegetarian option is available. The bar opens from 6.45pm for the evening performances. And the Box Office opens on Monday March 11. Email belitacharrington@hotmail.co.uk, phone 020 8398 8660 or book via the dramatic society website: www.claygatedramaticsociety.co.uk

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 19

EXCITING NEWS FOR YOUNG PERFORMERS

Claygate Dramatic Society is re-introducing Juniors at Claygate (JACS). The idea is to give younger members aged eight to 15 the opportunity to stage their own production. We will also cover all areas of theatre. The sessions are open to all, but if you are not already a member of CDS you will be asked to pay a £5 annual junior subscription.

The group will meet on Thursday evenings at Claygate Village Hall from 7pm-9pm, starting on May 2, with a performance on Saturday July 6 in the evening. Please contact Dawn Lacey at taptastic69@hotmail.co.uk or on 07394 601028. And spread the word!

source: Claygate Courier, March 2024 issue, page 19

See also

• https://www.claygatedramaticsociety.co.uk/