NEWS
All the latest news and production updates from WPDS.
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10th February 2022
We are extremely pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for our heavily postponed production of ‘Sylvia’s Wedding’, directed by Patricia Dale.
Sylvia’s Wedding
28 – 30 April
Adrian Mann Theatre
After ten years of courting, Gordon suddenly proposes to Sylvia, throwing their families into turmoil. Sylvia’s parents, Joyce and Vic, are hardly the sort of people Gordon’s pompous father, Stanley, wants his family connected with and Vic feels…
9th October 2021
Here’s a look at our cast and their characters for our November production of Frankenstein 1930. We are proud to announce that Jake Figgins and Alan Honey are making their Adrian Mann Theatre acting debut for WPDS.
Cast:
Mother Jacquie Yorke
Daughter Lorren Reader
Horst, a gravedigger Hugh Jones
Claus, a gravedigger Martin Phillips
Victor Frankenstein James Canvin
Gorgo Jake Figgins
Aunt Frederica Asun del Valle
Berta Lorren Reader
Elizabeth Harriet Buckingham
Henry Lovitz Ian McDonald
Dr. Hellstrom Des Wilby
The Creature Andrew Parsons-Deering
Jalna Jacquie Yorke
Korda Alan Honey
Maria (Recorded Voice) TBA
1st October 2021
As we find ourselves well into rehearsals for Frankenstein 1930, a first edition of Mary Shelly’s iconic original novel ‘Frankenstein’ has smashed the previous record to become the most expensive printed work by a woman sold at auction.
We found the following article interesting as it not only explains how rare and collectable this copy is, but also gives some insight into, and quotes from, the author, including her inspiration for writing ‘Frankenstein’.
smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/first-edition-of-mary-shelleys-frankenstein-breaks-records-at-auction
22nd September 2021
Our November production is Frankenstein 1930, directed by Trevor Payne.
Frankenstein 1930
25 – 27 November
Adrian Mann Theatre
Based on a new version of Mary Shelley’s classic book, this adaptation for the stage by Fred Carmichael contains all the eagerly anticipated elements…
21st April 2021
We are delighted to announce we will be staging our normal 1-Acts production this July. The programme will be the usual mix of 1-Act plays, short sketches and monologues, with a mixture of published material and items written by society members.
Watch this space for Box Office information around the end of May. The production will be a matinee in the Colin Peel Hall, at the Elmcroft Community Centre in North Cheam on Saturday 24 July at 2.30pm
8th May 2020
Great news! We have won a NODA scenic award for our November 2019 production of Richard Harris’s ‘Party Piece’.
After a careful review of all productions between April 1st 2019 and March 31st 2020 WPDS has been selected as the London District 3 Winner of the ‘Shinfield Players Scenic Award’.
We have also been shortlisted for the London Regional Scenic Award which will be announced on June 14. This is an honour for the Society and we would like to thank everyone involved in the production for all their hard work creating and constructing this set with a very limited time in the theatre.
5th May 2020
As the lockdown continues we have decided to extend the deadline for our play writing competition to give more people a chance to enter. Please see the previous article for full details.
The new deadline for entries is 1 July 2020
Entries to
This competition is now closed
25th March 2020
If you’re lost for something to do while stuck indoors, why not try your hand at script writing? We would love to hear from you!
We are calling all budding script writers, or anyone who enjoys a bit of creative writing, to send us either a full length play (approx 90 mins), a one-act play (20-40 mins) or a monologue to enter our competition.
If we really like your play and can cast it, we may perform it in the future in the Adrian Mann Theatre or as part of our summer one-acts productions (with your permission of course).
At a time when drama and theatre has shut down, we would like to encourage everyone to explore their creativity and have a go, even if you have not done anything like this before – so to help you get started we have found some useful resources on the internet!
How to format your stage play
www.comedyplays.co.uk/cpv5/scripts/spf.pdf
www.comedyplays.co.uk/cpv5/scripts/spf.pdf
A short introduction to writing a play
www.writerscookbook.com/stage-play-writing-ingredients/
www.writerscookbook.com/stage-play-writing-ingredients/
How to write a play
www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-play.html
www.creative-writing-now.com/how-to-write-a-play.html
The play can be any length, any genre and about any subject that takes your fancy.
We are here to help. If you have any queries or writing dilemmas, please do not hesitate to contact Harriet.
Entries to
This competition has now closed
Deadline
1 July 2020
17th March 2020
We are sorry to announce that our April production of ‘Sylvia’s Wedding’ has now been postponed due to the changing circumstances of the Coronavirus epidemic and following the latest government guidance.
We are hopeful that this production will now take place in November.
We would like to thank everyone who was planning to see the show for their support and reassure anyone who had purchased tickets that you will receive a full refund, but please be aware that this process may take a little time.
Thank you.
Hugh Jones
Chairman WPDS
14th August 2019
We are pleased to announce that our next production at the Adrian Mann Theatre will be ‘Party Piece’, a comedy by Richard Harris.
Auditions will take place in the Hopkins Hall at the Elmcroft Community Centre on Friday 16th and Tuesday 20th August at 8.15pm
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