Drama Societies
ALTRINCHAM LITTLE THEATRE Contact: Altrincham Little Theatre 17 Oxford Road Altrincham WA14 2ED Tel: 0161 928 1113 Email: alt.theatre@msn.com Website http://www.clubtheatre.org.uk/
Our mission is to create a group based at St. Paul Peel Parish Community Hall using the medium of drama to encourage and foster the creative and personal development of a wide age range of people from Little Hulton. Using our skills and those of a selection of Theatre professionals and Drama teachers we aim to offer A weekly meeting that will explore all facets of drama to provide enjoyment, an outlet of self-expression and the opportunity to develop imagination and artistic awareness The chance to take part in productions to showcase developing skills, these will include scripted works and improvised pieces devised by the group to reflect our community and the individuals place within that community. Courses aimed at developing individuals to be the best that they can be. They will provide an environment where people can begin to dream again, where they can develop aspirations and hopes for the future. A place of safety where they won’t be ridiculed for becoming the best version of themselves or for dreaming big! Opportunities for members to explore the technical aspects of theatre, to learn about sound and lighting, makeup, properties and costume design and creation. Website : https://apeeldramagroup.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APeeldramagroup/
Blackburn Drama Club was founded in 1944 and, in 2019, celebrated its 75th anniversary. . Website: https://blackburndramaclub.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackburnDramaClub/
BOLLINGTON FESTIVAL PLAYERS Since its formation for the 1964 Bollington Festival, the Players have, in addition to being a part of the Festivals, been presenting Drama and Musicals in the town on a regular basis. Over the years, works from writers as varied as William Shakespeare, Alan Ayckbourn, Oscar Wilde and of course our own Pat Penney, Doreen Young and John Coope have been performed. We rehearse and perform at the Bollington Arts Centre usually presenting two plays and a pantomime each year. The pantomime has for many years given an opportunity to younger members to get involved in drama and many have gone on to both drama college and the professional stage. Website: https://www.bollingtonartscentre.co.uk/resgroups/bollingtonfestival-players/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bollington%20 festival%20players
CANTERBURY PLAYERS Amateur Dramatic Society Urmston, Greater Manchester, UK. About Canterbury Players We're a mixed age group and always welcome new members, whether onstage or helping with the many activities needed to stage a show. Don't worry if you don't know what's involved; we'll give you training and support! It's a great way to get out of the house, learn new skills, and meet new friends. Join us and be part of our next production! lir Canterbury Players started out as a parent-teacher group in 1949, presenting plays on stage in the hall at Canterbury Road Junior School in Davyhulme, and occasionally at other locations in the area for events such as play readings. Since March 2007 our home has been the stage at the Methodist Church Hall on Brook Road, Flixton, where we have presented comedies, dramas, farces, thrillers and murder mysteries. We have very much enjoyed our time there, presenting award winning shows, social evenings and rehearsing. Sadly, in Summer 2021 the Church closed! We now have all our assets stored at Urmston Musical Theatre’s home at Pennybridge and we thank them very much for their hospitality. We will continue to hold play readings and other events in the area and will be presenting plays and ‘Theatre Suppers’ at Urmston Sports Club. These have always been a huge success! There will be a new set of portable staging there, donated by the Leigh Trust for the use of our society and the Club. We look forward to using it! Website: http://www.canterburyplayers.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/canterburyplayersM41/
COLNE DRAMATIC SOCIETY The Little Theatre in River Street, Colne is the home of Colne Dramatic Society. An increasingly popular, and respected venue providing an eclectic mix of both cutting edge and traditional theatre in the Pendle area. The society stage four main productions per season, and also hold fund raising events for local causes between productions. Website: https://colnelittletheatre.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColneLittleTheatre/?locale=en_GB
Droylsden Little Theatre 7 Castle Close Droylsden Manchester M43 7AS 01613 707 713 secretary@droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk In 1929 a group of senior members of the choir of St. Cross Church, Clayton, discussed the formation of a Dramatic Society. They had already been members of a Minstrel troupe organised by a Mr. Johnson, the Headmaster of St.Cross School, which had disbanded and were looking for a replacement. The first difficulty was finding a Producer. One of the committee had a friend who was a member of Altrincham Garrick Theatre, and the result was that Mr Birch, the Treasurer at the Garrick, agreed to help and went on to became the permanent producer for many years. The first play, ‘Uncle Ned’, was presented in 1931. Rehearsals were held in an upstairs room at the Church Inn on Clayton Lane, by courtesy of the landlady, Miss Alice Bromley. In the mid 1930’s an alternative venue was found at a Congregational Church on Seymour Road. At this stage a number of Variety Shows had to be produced in order to fund the ‘straight’ plays. Then came the war: the society ran shows to entertain the forces, but naturally membership was depleted due to members being ‘called up’. After the war, the Society made a home at the Scouts’ Hall on Seymour Road, where tickets were 6d. (that’s 2 and 1/2 pence!). During our residence here, the stage sets were built at the Butterworths Factory on Pollard Street, as the Managing Director Mr. E. Stansfield, was also the Society’s President. Subsequently, the Old Coffee House, over the Midland bank near Grey Mare Lane was rented. During our stay here plays ran for 2 weeks, and admission prices went up to 2/- (that’s 10p). A substantial amount of money was raised by voluntary subscription, to finance the building of a Green Room and toilets. The opening play was ‘Robert’s Wife’ , and during the play’s run 1,770 patrons saw the show. The demand for tickets exceeded supply for each of the six shows each year. In 1960, Mr. Hampson, a local butcher, donated a silver cup to be awarded each year for outstanding service to the Society. Meanwhile, the Midland Bank gave the Society notice to quit the residency of the Old Coffee House. Shows continued at the Trinity Methodist Church Hall, at the corner of Craven Street and Manchester Road in Droylsden. Eventually, a chance came to buy a disused Methodist Church near Medlock Street. The complex was purchased on mortgage, and is to this day Droylsden Little Theatre’s home. The main No.1 building was to become the Theatre, whilst a Studio Theatre was going to be established in building No.2: this never happened and 40 years later our Theatre is still in No.2! Website: https://www.droylsdenlittletheatre.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DroylsdenLittleTheatre
DUKINFIELD AMATEUR OPERATIC SOCIETY About Us We are a very friendly, upbeat amateur theatre society based in Dukinfield, Tameside which is east of Manchester. Formed in 1946, we are of a very high standard and are not too heavy on the purse-strings. In fact, we are one of the societies with the cheapest membership fees in the Greater Manchester area. Our Productions: Our calendar features a musical production in the autumn, usually the third week in October at the George Lawton Hall, Mossley and a play in the spring, usually around the third week in March at Dukinfield Methodist Church Hall. Rehearsals for the musical are usually weekly, and commence at the beginning of May with Dancers on Monday evenings and full Ensemble on Thursday evenings. Principals are as called on either evening and rehearse in a seperate room. These rehearsals take place at the Tameside Deaf Association, 225 Mossley Road, Ashtonunder-Lyne OL6 6LY at 7.45pm. At the beginning of September, Sunday afternoon rehearsals kick-in from 1-5pm with the venue being announced nearer the time. There is a tea break halfway through the rehearsal, and our thriving Social Committee make excellent Tea, Coffee and Vimto at just 50p for a mug with a Biscuit. The play begins with a read-through/audition just before Christmas, and rehearsals start right at the beginning of January on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at Dukinfield Methodist Church Hall. If you fancy joining us or coming to see one of our productions, please check the relevant sections of our website for full details of the productions and how to book Website: http://dukinfieldaods.co.uk/wp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5615624295/
Founded in 1940, as the Ashton and Audenshaw Repertory Theatre, after acquiring its current premises in 1972, Guide Bridge Theatre was born. Today it is an inclusive,diverse, amateur dramatic company located on Audenshaw Road in Guide Bridge,Tameside. In continuous existence for over 80 years, GBT has been in its current Audenshaw base since 1972. Throughout the year it produces a broad range of dramatic work, both traditional and contemporary, It is also the base of community groups engaged in creative arts across all generations and abilities and hosts the longest-running group nationally for adults with mental health issues and learning disabilities. GBT also partners on creative ventures with Made by Mortals and is recognised as "a valuable community asset" by the local authority. The GBT facilities are used to support many other activities such as the popular and successful luncheon club, numerous and varied social events, community use and hires. Our vision is to be an organisation that inspires, nurtures, educates and empowers its members and the wider community to flourish achieved by the delivery of inclusive and collaborative performance arts, opportunities for community participation and the promotion of social interaction and inclusion through community events. GBT is run wholly by an active and growing team of volunteers and in 2020 won the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service of which we are very proud. Website: http://www.gbtheatre.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gbtheatre
HATS Theatre Group Address: Glastonbury Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 9PD Phone: 0161 748 5040 ABOUT a warm friendly enthusiastic amateur drama group for over 16 yrs - everyone welcome to come & join us every Thurs 7.30 pm at St Hugh of Lincoln Parish Hall, Stretford Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5217776003
HYDE LITTLE THEATRE. We are an award winning amateur dramatic society based in Hyde, Tameside and we were established in 1967. We produce a range of high quality, affordable and accessible theatre productions each year. In addition to this, we have a Youth Theatre of over 100 participants, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at our home, Studio 9, located at the top of Market Street, Hyde. More recently, we are extremely excited to also provided a range of community activities from Studio 9, to provide interactive sessions for all sections of the community and all ages. We are proud to be the home of ‘Theatre in the Community’ Website: https://hydelittletheatre.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydeLittleTheatre
We are a small, dynamic and welcoming theatre group, producing consistently high quality drama. Each year we present a programme of plays and, musical and comedy events, which we hope will appeal to all tastes. Please browse our website to see what we have to offer. We are keen to get more people involved in all aspects of our activities. You can read below how to support the theatre by becoming a member. Check out Auditions, if you would like to act or work back-stage on a production. You can also join our flourishing Facebook, Twitter or Instagram groups to get regular news on our activities. Simply click on the icons at the bottom of the every page or go to News section to see the live links. The Archive section tells the history of the theatre through a collection of images, which we are adding to constantly. The Timeline lists all the plays chronologically since 1975, with links to images where available. KNUTSFORD LITTLE THEATRE Website: https://www.knutsfordlittletheatre.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=knutsford%20little%20theatre
Manchester Athenaeum Dramatic Society 171 Seasons of Drama ABOUT Manchester Athenaeum Dramatic Society is a small theatre group situated in South Manchester. We meet in various locations in the Chorlton area and perform at St. Werburgh’s Parish Hall situated on the corner of Wilbraham Road and St. Werburgh’s Road. We are small but friendly and welcoming. We currently perform two full productions a year and a third which can be anything from monologues to melodramas, often with a buffet supper, Website: https://madschorlton.wixsite.com/athenaeum Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Manchester-Athenaeum-DramaticSociety/100068712327166/
P.A.D.O.S. PADOS Studio Theatre St Mary’s Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AQ 0161 773 7729 In 1918 St Hilda’s, Heaton Park, (Heaton Park is a district of Prestwich) Glee Club -formed earlier in the 20th Century- rejoiced for the ending of the Great War and a healthy influx of men returning from the trenches of the Western Front. (The society is also proud to be one of the few who continued to entertain throughout World War II with all female casts. There is strong evidence that there certainly also existed in Prestwich a Dramatic Society – Prestwich Amateur Dramatic Society (PADS)- in November 1887 and a programme is held by PADOS for the performance of a play – ‘Jessy Vere’ or ‘The Return of the Wanderer’ (a domestic drama by C. H. Hazlewood) presented at Prestwich Liberal Club. This Club is immediately in front of the former Chester Street Wesleyan Church Hall and the 1919 venue of the first full length Operetta – ‘Trial by Jury’ presented by the society. Whilst research continues, there is strong belief that this 1887 Society (PADS) probably amalgamated with ‘The Glee Club’ to create PADOS (ie: ‘Singers’ and ‘Dramatic Actors’) as it is known today. Website: https://www.pados.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prestwichados/
Players Theatre Anfield Rd, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle, SK8 5EX 0161 485 1441 ABOUT Players Theatre is home to Players Dramatic Society, established in the 1920s by a band of friends. Awardwinning and passionate about theatre, we are a friendly, welcoming society that enjoys being involved in and at the heart of community life. Our comfortable 104-seat theatre is in Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, about nine miles south of Manchester. We have disabled access, a loop system, free Wi-Fi, a well-stocked bar, lounge facilities, kitchen and car park. The season comprises four main plays. Contact: info@playersdramatic.co.uk Website: https://www.playersdramatic.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ playerstheatrecheadlehulme
St. Joseph’s Players St Joseph’s Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh, Lancashire, WN7 2PR 07914518581 The society is one of the oldest in the world having been formed circa 1850. We’re still going strong but we need plenty of support by you coming to see our shows or if you are interested in acting or backstage work you would be very welcome to join our society. You will know that our Society is run entirely by volunteers, without whom we could not survive. Our theatre is an exciting and vibrant place. If you have some time to spare and would like to become involved as a member, then please contact us at St. Joseph’s Hall: rehearsal nights are Mondays and Thursdays. Website: https://www.stjosephsplayers.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stjosephsplayersleigh
Hyde Festival Theatre Website: https://www.hydefestivaltheatre.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydeFestivalTheatre/ Contact: info@hydefestivaltheatre.co.uk About The Festival Theatre in Hyde, Greater Manchester is home to several amateur groups in the area whose combined efforts mean that in one season there can be many productions ongoing. In 2019, we had 21 different productions from 12 different societies. Ranging from drama to musicals, from dance to pantomime. We pride ourselves on offering an affordable venue for local dance schools, drama societies, musical societies and comedians to perform for their productions and fundraising events. Our theatre is run by volunteers, ran for the community - by the community.
About the Rossendale Players Rossendale Players have been presenting plays for the people of the Rossendale Valley for over 80 years. Established in 1936 the Players rented a wooden hut on a hillside in Stacksteads to meet and rehearse. Their first public performance was Somerset Maugham`s “The Circle” using the Waterfoot Conservative Club as a venue. This venue was available to them until their 50th performance, with continuity unbroken for the war. The Players then used various venues around the valley to present plays with a growing reputation throughout the North West receiving several awards for Drama Festivals. With scenery, props, lighting equipment and costumes stored in various places a more permanent home was found in Bacup Leisure Hall. Fundraising continued and in 1994 the Players were able to buy the former Bethel Baptist Lecture Hall in Waterfoot with the intention of converting the building into a theatre. This was achieved and the New Millennium Theatre was opened in the year 2000 with a performance of “The Circle” (The fist play performed in 1936) We now have a thriving theatre company serving the community presenting five plays a year with a successful record of receiving awards from the Greater Manchester Drama Federation on a regular basis. We work closely with other neighbouring theatres, also hosting performances from other groups and sharing experience. Our members are committed and enthusiastic; we now have a vibrant group of young people supporting the Players developing their skills and providing shows of a very high standard. We support local charities by offering a charity night during each run by allowing them to raise funds for their organisation; this is very much appreciated and brings new people to the theatre. Social events and open days are held on a regular basis to allow members to integrate and get to know each other. We are all very proud of what our theatre achieves and the input from all members is amazing. Rossendale Players is valued and respected by the people of Rossendale and the surrounding areas. ROSSENDALE PLAYERS Website: https://www.rossendaleplayers.org.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRossendalePlayers EMail: admin@rossendaleplayers.org.uk Phone Us: 07922 021505 The New Millennium Theatre, 69 Burnley Road East Rawtenstall BB4 9AR 07922 021505
H’all Things Drama is a Performing Arts group based in the Heywood, which raises funds for Charity by producing amateur dramatic works in Community Halls, Churches and Centres. Our Motto is simple: ‘No Auditions, no restrictions; just commitment and enthusiasm’, which we believe sums us up perfectly. ‘H’all Things’ is a group where anyone can take part, because we believe that the performing arts should be open to everyone. We only ask for our members’ time - there are no fees and no selection processes involved. In return for their energy and hard work, we commit to finding a role - on or off stage - for anyone who wants one. We have actors and singers, dancers and dramatists, costume designers, choreographers and make-up artists, production assistants and caterers. We have people who have never set foot in front of an audience and yet are at the heart of our success. Our members have written scripts, built sets, operated soundboards, run Front of House, sewn costumes, rigged lights and always, always had fun. Everyone has a talent, and we use them all. It’s amazing what a little imagination can produce. And, every penny that our performances generate is donated to Charity. 100%. It’s what we were created to do, and its what we continue to do. From Brownie Packs to Food Banks, each show is dedicated to a pair of Charities and everything we make from the performances is split between them. Contact info Email: hallthingsdrama@gmail.com Website: https://www.hallthingsdrama.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallthingsdrama/
All of our partners have extensive theatre experience and have been producing dance shows, pantomimes and musicals for years but for other organisations. Our partners formed Sparks Dramatic Society in 2023 to come together to produce quality, fun and modern productions in Tameside. All of our partners were most recently involved in Hyde Festival Theatre’s family and adult pantomimes which were both fundraisers for the theatre. We do not offer a membership scheme at SDS. This means that anyone can audition for our society. Check out our upcoming auditions page to sign up and find out more information. All of our cast, whether it be acting principals, dancers or ensemble parts are offered on a voluntaryonly basis. Remember to keep your audition date/time free as we may not be in a position to audition you again. Crewing Opportunities Whether you’ve got decades of experience behind you or are brand new and want to try out a new hobby - we have crewing opportunities available to suit any ability, skill or commitment. From running shows backstage, building sets, chaperoning our younger cast, decorating the theatre, costumes, technical or customer facing - there’s a role for you. All of our crew must be 16+ or accompanied by their own parent/guardian. Management Opportunities Our partners appoint a production team for every single production. We encourage all of our crew to become leaders when feeling comfortable to take the next step. Our production team plan, coordinate and run the production. From head of wardrobe, set build management, stage management, technical management, safeguarding lead and more - it comes with a lot of responsibility and requires a lot of commitment but it’s definitely worth seeing your work when it comes to life. Website - https://www.sparksdramaticsociety.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksdramaticsociety Email: info@sparksdramaticsociety.co.uk
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