We are the Churt Amateur Dramatic Society, a fun and friendly local drama group. We perform a variety of shows, from war-time plays to modern day pantomimes, there is very little that hasn't been portrayed on our stage. Great for families who want to both watch and participate, come along to our next performance to see what we're all about!
‘Waiting in The Wings’ is Noel Coward's 50th play and premiered in 1960. Noel wrote of it 'the play contains, beneath the froth of some of its lighter moments, the basic truth that old age needn't be nearly so dreary and sad as it is supposed to be, so long as you greet it with humour and live it with courage'.
Coward’s tribute to the theatre is set in a retirement home for actresses, all former stars. It's an exciting and very moving mix of comedy, drama, tragedy and much joy. Central to the plot is a life-long feud between two of the home’s greatest stars-but what was it about and will they resolve their differences?
In addition, there are several intriguing sub plots, including one or two surprise visitors with their own agendas, and always the colourful and humerous banter between old troupers who have known each other for decades.
There are moments of music throughout then towards the wonderful climax of the play it almost becomes a musical revue! In the large cast, familiar faces from CADS are joined by members from several other local groups of Tilbourne, Headley, Grayshott and Elstead enhancing the feeling of community, and mirroring the whole point about life in ‘The Wings’.
CADS are honoured to be putting on this play in memory of Noel, 50 years after his death.
Annalise Wahdam
Admin
THE COMMITTEE
Dawn Barrow
Chairwoman
David Forster
Finance
Cerys Traynor
Media & PR
ABOUT CADS
Est. 1980
When the village hall celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1978 there was no drama group in Churt to call upon, consequently Grayshott Stagers were asked to perform a music hall to mark the occasion, when three Churt residents took part. Following that show, there was pressure for Churt to re-start its own drama group. So at last in May 1980 33 persons met in the village hall anxious to start but having limited experience. What should the group be called? –Churt Amateur Dramatic Society seemed very prosaic until we realised that CADS was its acronym.
The new group led by Olivia Cotton. Training members to project their voices was always difficult so that loyal supporters soon learned to book early to be near the front so they could hear. New trainee directors were given an opportunity to test their skills on private, not public performances. This involved correspondence with the Charity Commission who seemed to think a “Private” performance meant an obscene production. .Slow, painstaking lighting was acquired. A wardrobe was built up through the generous donations from local inhabitants.
The society started with three productions a year – spring, autumn and a Christmas pantomime, several “home-written”. For a few years our local MP attended the pantomime with her children, saying that CADS’ panto was the most enjoyable.
To maintain interest among members not chosen at audition, play-readings were regular events at private homes
By the time of the Village Hall’s Diamond Jubilee in 1988 CADS was able to give backbone to a community play, “Cavalcade of Churt” which involved nearly all the village societies. That was the first occasion when all seats were fully booked before even the first performance.
Today CADS has a vastly different make-up with brilliant performances by members talented in the many aspects of theatricals. Experience in a professional theatre such as playing at the Electric Theatre at Guildford and the Leatherhead Drama Festival, where CADS compete against other groups, has enabled members to gain a professional experience and CADS have recently won a number of awards.
CADS runs a number of shows each year including the annual pantomimes, a Spring and November play and the introduction of supper evenings to further entertain the audience. For a number of years CADS successfully ran the annual village quiz and it is known amongst its members as being a hugely supportive, all inclusive, society.
We are always looking for new members to either tread the boards or help backstage.
If you are interested please contact the Chairman Dawn Barrow on 01428 714375 or dawnbarrow@aol.com and be assured you will receive a warm welcome.