NEWS

Show week has finally arrived and we are settling in to the Adrian Mann Theatre. After two days hard work, the set is nearly complete and we are ready for tonight’s technical rehearsal and the dress rehearsal tomorrow.

With opening night now days away, here’s a glimpse at most of our cast during rehearsals

Photographs by David Alcorn Photography
All images subject to copyright

We are thrilled to announce that tickets for our April amateur production of Agatha Christie’s The Hollow are now on sale. Choose from three performances at the Adrian Mann Theatre NESCOT in Epsom, Surrey. Showing 20 – 22 April.

An edge of the seat murder mystery by the Queen of Crime.

In this masterpiece of writing, Sir Henry and Lady Lucy Angkatell are holding one of their classic weekend parties for family and friends. Amongst the guests are…

While we are a little late with this post, WPDS would like to officially announce that our April production will be Agatha Christie’s ‘The Hollow’, directed by Hugh Jones.

As rehearsals are currently underway, here’s a look at our cast.

Cast:
Henrietta Angkatell Harriet Buckingham
Sir Henry Angkatell Martin Phillips
Lady Angkatell Linda Radwan
Midge Harvey Lorren Reader
Gudgeon Luke Buckingham
Edward Angkatell Ian McDonald
Doris Jacquie Yorke
Gerda Cristow Glynnis Morgan
John Cristow Connor Arnold
Veronica Craye Hayley Sponder
Inspector Colquhoun Des Wilby
Detective Sergeant Penny Adam Hollidge

Theatres and audiences up and down the country have been coming together to fundraise for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and for Ukrainian refugees in general.

Worcester Park Dramatic Society is keen to do what it can to support Ukrainian refugees currently living in Epsom and the surrounding areas. As the Director for this November’s production of ‘Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp’, I am pleased to announce that WPDS, together with Ashtead Rotary Club, have committed to provide 50 free tickets for Ukrainian refugees to attend our Christmas pantomime!

We look forward to liaising with the Epsom Refugee Network and helping those who’ve been forced to evacuate Ukraine to enjoy an evening of fun, laughter, and general silliness!

Des Wilby

We are excited to announce that tickets for our November pantomime ‘Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp’ are now on sale. Choose from four performances at the Adrian Mann Theatre NESCOT in Epsom, Surrey.

Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
24 – 26 November
Adrian Mann Theatre

It’s Panto time… with the classic tale of Aladdin!

The story of a poor boy who dreams of one day marrying the beautiful Princess Pekoe. It seems Aladdin has no hope of realising his dream until the evil Abanazar arrives in Peking seeking Aladdin’s help… 

Tickets & info

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our Honorary President and lifetime member Tony Parfitt who died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday 9 August.

Tony was well-known to local audiences throughout the North Surrey area, having performed in, and directed, many shows for over 60 years. Most of his thespian career was spent with WPDS, but he also guested for many other societies.

After joining WPDS in the early 1950’s and becoming involved with some early post-war productions, Tony went on to become one of our principal actors. Among the many roles for which he will be fondly remembered are the part of ‘Sweeney Todd’ (twice) in Brian J. Burton’s melodrama, the burglar ‘Spriggs’ in Eric Chapple’s Theft, and his last stage role of ‘Major Pollock’ in Terence Rattigan’s Separate Tables in 2011.

Right up to the end, Tony was always keen to hear of the activities and achievements of the society. His last appearance was with his wife Shirley when they attended our 95th Anniversary celebration only a couple of month’s ago. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

After several audition nights, our director Des Wilby made his final decision. We are excited to announce that this will be the cast for our November production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp at the Adrian Mann Theatre.

Cast:
Aladdin Harriet Buckingham
Widow Twankey Trevor Payne
Wishee Washee Lorren Reader
Princess Pekoe Jacquie Yorke
So Shy Hayley Sponder
Emperor Hugh Jones
Abanazar Asun del Valle
Feng Connor Arnold
Shui Andy Parsons-Deering
Genie Martin Phillips
Spirit Lynda Mitchell

Chorus Alan Honey, Caroline Tuson, Linda Radwan, Martin Phillips

Would you like to audition for a part in our November production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp?

Our auditions will be held on Friday 12 and Tuesday 16 August with the cast being announced on Friday 19. Our rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Fridays, starting on 26 August.

If you are interested in joining a social and friendly group, onstage or backstage, for our production of Aladdin then please contact Lorren Reader at wpdsmembership@gmail.com

WPDS’ November 2022 production will be the pantomime Aladdin… Oh yes it will!

‘Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp’ is the story of a poor boy who dreams of one day marrying the beautiful Princess Pekoe. It seems Aladdin has no hope of realising his dream until the evil Abanazar arrives in Peking seeking Aladdin’s help to retrieve a magic lamp. Aladdin agrees in the hope of becoming rich enough to marry Princess Pekoe but events don’t go quite to plan…

Directed by Des Wilby this hugely entertaining production will be showing at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Epsom.

Show Times:
Thu 24 at 7pm
Fri 25 at 7pm
Sat 26 at 2.30pm & 6.30pm

Keep an eye on our website for further news and ticket information!

Every year, during our annual AGM, we award trophies to members for outstanding contributions to WPDS over the previous year. Due to the pandemic this is the first year the trophies have been awarded since our 2019 AGM. We are extremely pleased this tradition can continue and are delighted to announce this years deserving recipients.

The John Pagan Award
Named in memory of one of WPDS’s finest actors, this is awarded to the person who in the opinion of the Society’s committee has given the most improved acting performance during the year. This year’s recipient is Jacquie Yorke.

The Ken Smith Trophy
Given to WPDS by Ken Smith, a stalwart member of the society for many years, this trophy is awarded to the person who has made the biggest backstage contribution during the year. This year’s recipient is Connor Arnold.

The Betty Martin Cup
Awarded by the Chairman of the Society to the person who, in their opinion, has made an outstanding overall contribution to the life of WPDS. This year Harriet Buckingham awarded the cup to Hugh Jones. Hugh handed over the Chairmanship to Harriet in 2021 after more than 30 years in the role.