Worcester Park Dramatic Society
Worcester Park Dramatic Society was founded in 1927 when it in fact had a choral section as well. Although the singing side is not for the public these days, the dramatic side continues to flourish. For virtually all of its life, WPDS has been an affiliated member of NODA and two of their many productions have won NODA awards, a memorable 1970 production of ‘Tom Jones’ and a 1996 production of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’.
"WPDS have always been known for the variety of plays performed, the standards
achieved and also the quality of their set design. Productions vary from
historical dramas such as Robert Bolt’s ‘A Man for All Seasons’
in 1973, to serious dramas such as Jeffrey Archer’s ‘Beyond
Reasonable Doubt’ in 199 3 and to comedies and
farces such as Neil Simon’s ‘Rumours’ in 1995. The last
production in April was the hilarious Alan Ayckbourne comedy ‘Confusions’.
WPDS put on 2 major productions a year at the Adrian Mann Theatre in Ewell in April and November, and an evening of 1-Act plays in July at the Worcester Park and North Cheam Community Association to whom they are affiliated and where we meet regularly to rehearse and for social evenings every Tuesday and Friday at the Hopkins Hall, Elmcroft Community Centre, London Road, North Cheam.
WPDS are a friendly society and are always hoping to swell their ranks with
new members, not just in an acting capacity. There are numerous roles to
be involved with backstage, such as props, lighting and sound and in pre-production
work, which includes construction of sets and furniture, and painting scenery
- which is especially suited to all of you die-hard DIY fanatics!
When not in rehearsal, WPDS hold play readings, quizzes and other social events and there are organised trips to see professional and amateur shows throughout the year.
If you are interested in finding out more, please either call our membership secretary Judy on 020 8942 3827 (e-mail wpdsociety@hotmail.com), or contact our Chairman Jenny Child at Crazy.child@btinternet.com