Charles Raspin draws back the curtain on amateur dramatics groups across Surrey
To be, or not to be (in an am-dram production)?
If you're in love with acting and trying to build up your stage experience, looking to join a local community of friends and fellow thespians, or just after a fresh creative challenge as part of a varied team, amateur dramatics could well be the thing for you.
Whether pantomime or performance art, Shakespeare or showtunes, amateur dramatics groups abound in Surrey – check below to find one of my favourites near you.
Comment below to share your company with us!
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ESOSOC
The East Surrey Operatic Society & The Opera Club of Reigate & Redhill (or ESOSOC, for short) are here for anyone who needs to exercise their musical urges, with lavish productions of operas and plays like Les Mis or Sunset Boulevard, as well as a youth section in the form of YESOS.
Their next big production is the Pirates of Penzance, at Harlequin Theatre as usual.
You can contact ESOSOC on 01737 247046, or YESOS on 01293 774212 for details
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Guildford Amateur Theatre Association
The Guildford Amateur Theatre Association is a collection of almost 20 distinct groups around Guildford, covering everything from opera and dance to film and youth theatre.
Check their website for details on individual groups
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Ashtead Players
Woodfield Lane, Guildford, KT21 2BEAccompanied by their Young Ashtead Players detachment for actors age 12-18, the Ashtead Players have been putting on plays and making charity performances at Ashtead Peace Memorial Hall for quite some time.
Head over there on February 7, 6pm to audition for their next play, The Laboratory by David Campton.
Email enquiries@ashteadplayers.co.uk or check their website for details
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Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society
Dorking Dramatic & Operatic Society (DDOS) produces small plays and musicals throughout the year at the intimate Green Room Theatre, but are probably most widely known for their annual big-budget musical at Dorking Halls. There's a chance for everyone to shine, here.
Next year's big musical will be Oliver!, while their next production is Make Way For Lucia, showing at the Green Room from February 9-13.
Contact them on ddosemembers@googlemail.com or their website for details
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Desborough Players
4 Burhill Road, Hersham, KT12 4JHThe Desborough Players have been operating out of Walton since 1946, with a host of regular social events and fresh plays.
This summer's production is expected to be When We Are Married by J B Priestly, with auditions in March and performances in June.
They're always on the look-out for new members, so trot along to the open day on February 8 at the Hersham WI Hall, from 8.30pm.
Contact them through their website
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Simply Theatre
If you're in Woking, you've surely heard of Simply Theatre, whose biannual shows at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre – usually musicals, but often drama – have quickly taken a permanent place on the calendar. They welcome anyone age 16+ in any role, from acting and singing to choreography and set design, so get in touch!
Their next production is Sweeney Todd, with auditions in Easter.
Contact them on 07786 002744 or through their website for details
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Claygate Dramatic Society
Church Road, Claygate, Surrey, Esher, KT100JPThere's always something going on at Claygate Dramatic Society, with musical nights, sketch nights, and 3-4 fresh productions each year at Claygate Village Hall!
Their next production is Who Killed The Vicar?, an original murder mystery with auditions on February 8.
Contact them on 01372 463 057 or check their website for more details
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Richmond Shakespeare Society
The Richmond Shakespeare Society churns out eight productions a year, from the Bard and beyond, at their very own theatre – the riverside Mary Wallace Theatre in Twickenham. They have a youth theatre group, and are happy to teach any new members all they need to know.
Their next production is The Adventures of Pinocchio, from February 18-21.
Contact them on 020 8744 0547 or through their website for more details
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Epsom Players
The Epsom Players have been producing drama and musicals for over a century, ranging from West End hits like Chicago to its 7-hour two-part drama epic Nicholas Nickelby. Whether it's small one-act shows or big productions, there's something here for you.
Their next production is Speakeasy Cabaret, running June 2-4 – auditions are March 29.
Contact them on deanashley@aol.com or through their website for more details
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Haslemere Players
Bridge Road, Haslemere, GU27 2ASThe Haslemere Players are regular award-winners, focused on producing popular musicals that are fun for audience and cast. Haslemere Hall is their usual haunt – and they also provide costume hire, for anyone looking to follow in their footsteps (or attend a fancy dress party).
Their next production is Sister Act, at Haslemere Hall from March 15-19.
Contact them on 01428 605237 or through their website to learn more
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Comments (1)
Comment FeedAmateur Dramatics in Surrey
Gilly Fick - Guildbury chairman more than 7 years ago