The show goes on for thriving drama society (From Tewkesbury Admag)

The show goes on for thriving drama society

CELEBRATIONS are well and truly under way as Shipston Amateur Dramatic Society mark five decades of fun, music, drama and comedy.

But the future was not always so bright for the budding performers who meet regularly at Townsend Hall. The group, which had a growing following, disbanded in 1939 at the outbreak of the Second World War.

It was not until 1954 that five local amateur dramatic enthusiasts met in the cosy atmosphere of the Harrow Inn, Sheep Street, that the society was revived. In the early stages, it meant knocking on doors to drum up support but a year later the society was back on its feet and the first production Fly away Peter proved a resounding success.

The first performances were held in the village hall, known as The Hostel. With such basic facilities, the stage had to be built out of orange boxes and lighting was virtually non-existent. Some members also remember the days when the only way to reach the dressing room was to go outside and use the back stairs.

However, in the 1960s the Townsend Hall was built and the old building became the foyer and front entrance of the new one.

John Packham is one of the earliest members and has directed Shipston Amateur Dramatic shows for the past 40 years. He performed children's parts on the radio before becoming a professional actor at the age of 19.

He said: "I've seen many things change over the years but the society really is on the up at the moment. As the town has expanded we've seen many new members and attracted good-sized audiences. We're really pleased with the way things have been going."

Since the revival of the society the town has seen a range of performances including School for Scandal, Habeas Corpus, No Sex Please, We're British and Metamorphosis. The annual pantomimes and children's plays have also received a warm reception.

Richard Taylor has been involved with lighting for the past 42 years.

He said: "It's been fascinating to see all the different productions over the years. Things have really changed since the 1960s.It was down to my mother that I first got involved as she used to help with the props and my interest grew from there.

"Over the last few years we've been able to welcome a number of new members, so we're now quite a thriving, active and friendly bunch but if anyone would like to join us they can always pop along to a rehearsal and see what we get up to."

The society stages three productions a year and caters for various tastes from 17th century Restoration comedy to 20th century thrillers.

To mark the society's 50th anniversary, members will perform a comedy revue, which includes sketches from the past five decades, in Give My Regards to Sheep Street. The production will be held at Townsend Hall from Wednesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 16. Tickets are £5 from Wyntors of Shipston or available on the door.