Sound Crew Wanted

May 2008

Rottingdean Drama Society wants to build up a small, dedicated team to look after sound for all our productions. Sound design is usually carried out by each show's Director, but we do have someone who can design and realise sound for theatre, so don't worry if you don't have too much experience.

We really need sound operators, starting with our forthcoming production of "Steaming" (which should be fun sound-wise!) We have the equipment and full training will be given. And if your interest is compiling sound for theatrical productions, that's fine too – your talents would be very welcome.

So if you fancy getting stuck into one of the most creative elements of theatre, please e-mail sound@rottingdeandramasociety.co.uk. Thanks.

'Steaming' to be first multimedia production!

May 2008

From our first discussions with director, Jo Newman, it sounds as though the next production will be a multimedia experience to be remembered! This is a first for Rottingdean Drama Society!

The majority of the action takes place in the local public baths, however some scenes require a swimming pool and sauna - we wonder how Newman will achieve such experiences?

Don't miss out on this exciting production, which runs from 16th to 19th July. For more details click here or to book tickets visit the Box Office.

Play Readings - Every last Friday

March 2008

Anne Verrall organises monthly play readings, held in the Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8.00pm (apart from when that date clashes with a production).

If you are thinking of joining the society and want to meet some of the members, please join us. This event is officially open to Active members only, but make yourself known to Anne and you will be welcomed. We look forward to seeing you there!

Arabian Knights Pantomime Raffle

February 2008

Many thanks to all who donated prizes and purchased raffle tickets during the pantomime. A grand total of £611 was raised and divided between PARC childrens charity and Martlets Hospice Home Service.

New Members Pub Night

February 2008

We always offer a very warm welcome to new members throughout the year. However, with auditions only coming round every three months, it can be a while before an opportunity to take part arises.

If you are interested in joining Rottingdean Drama Society or just want to see the facilities and meet some existing members, please contact Stuart Green on 07521 582725 or stuartgreen@rottingdeandramasociety.co.uk for more information.

Meet at 19:30 on 14th March 2008 at the Hall. We will go for a tour around the facilities including backstage, props, costumes, dressing rooms, lighting and sound.

Once the cast start arriving for the evening's rehearsal, we will meet each of them and watch the first few minutes of the rehearsals.

At 20:15 we'll hit the local pub for a drink and a chat. In addition to existing members, directors of future productions will be available for questions.

New members and existing members are welcome!

Please contact Stuart Green on 07521 582725 or e-mail stuartgreen@rottingdeandramasociety.co.uk for more information.

Christmas Gift Offer

December 2007

If you enjoy coming to our productions, why don't you consider buying an Associate Membership as a Christmas gift for family or friends?

During December, you can purchase membership for £18.00, which entitles the holder to one complimentary ticket for each of the three remaining plays for this season. Please visit the Associate Membership page and enter the code 'XMAS2007' for this exclusive deal.

Lions Swimarathon

October 2007

RDS members Lesley Arnold, Gill Lake, Natalie Mundroina, Noreen O'Sullivan, Graham Stapley and Leigh Eardley entered the Lions Swimarathon on Saturday, 27th October 2007.

The team swam in relay for one hour and along with nine others teams involved, a total of £4600 was raised. Half the total money raised will go to the Lions nominated charity, The Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice and half of the money raised by the RDS will go to our own nominated charity, The Rocking Horse Appeal.

The event was very well organised and a lot of fun.

Charley's Aunt Press Review

October 2007

Charley's Aunt received high praise for Maureen Hoyle 'whose stagecraft and theatrical intelligence abound in every aspect of the piece' and Graham Lake who is 'never short of an original gesture, mimes the dramatic irony without laying it on too thick and whose occasional light slapstick is razor sharp'. There were also very complimentary comments for Neil Border, Anita Gilson and Tim Secrett.

Rottingdean Village Fair - Lion King and New Coconut Shy

August 2007

This year's Rottingdean Village Fair was blessed with a beautiful sunny day and plenty of visitors. After many hours of creative work from members: Stuart, Lesley, Andrew, Maureen, Len, Gill, Elaine, Marion, Christine and Trevor the Lion King entry into the parade was a grand success. The almost full size elephant (Gill and Lesley) was the talking point of the day and received constant applause along the High Street!

In addition to the parade, the Society re-vamped the traditional coconut shy to bring the look up to date and take on a theatre theme! This was also highly commended by the organisers and public. Well done and thank you to all those took part and made the day an enjoyable time for all.

Website Launched

August 2007

After a great deal of effort and time, the Rottingdean Drama Society is launched! A lot of the information contained within the website has been provided by existing and past members. This information needed to be collected, organised and typed up to add to our new website.

We hope you enjoy it! Please provide any feedback to our webmaster, Stuart Green

Scenery and Props Clear Out

June 2007

The weather was perfectly wet and miserable to justify spending the whole weekend indoors, sorting out old scenery and props from below the stage and in the hall loft!

A small, but hard working team arrived with hammers, screwdrivers and gloves to break up any old scenery past it's life span. A lot of space was made for new scenery. It was a very productive two days and a big thank you goes out to those that helped. A great deal of the wood was re-cycled, to ensure the society maintains the objective to be sustainable.

The majority of scenery is used over and over again.

Sheila Doughty, Vice President

April 2007

Sadly, we have to announce the death, on Thursday 12th April, of our dear friend and Vice-President Sheila Doughty.

The Society has known seen many fine actresses, but none could surpass Sheila in her prime playing in the light comedies of Coward and others.

Sheila joined Rottingdean Drama Society in the autumn of 1959 and, over 48 years, played in more than 30 plays, and directed several other productions.

Last September, in her eighties, Sheila appeared on our stage briefly re-creating her delightful Elvira from "Blithe Spirit". Although more frail, her charisma was still obvious and her timing of lines impeccable.

A great lady; it was a joy and a privilege to have acted with her.

Best Actress Award: Lesley Arnold

October 2006

Congratulations to Lesley Arnold who won the Best Actor Award for her portrayal of Mrs Hardcastle, in Love on the Dole. The judicator commented specifically about Lesley's true to life and heart felt performance.

Ron Taylor 50 Years at RDS!

September 2006

Ron Taylor, our President celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Society. This was celebrated in style on the 23rd September 2006, with exerts from plays he had directed in the past and was enjoyed by over 80 associate and active members.

It was good to see erstwhile members, Shirley Wells (then Brewer) and Sheila Doughty back on stage, still with the same flair and charisma. These two ladies, as well as Elaine Eardley and Gill Lake, each performed with Ron, short extracts from previous productions in which they had played opposite him. These were very well received by the 80 strong audience.

After the buffet-supper, and four personal tributes, Ron was presented by the Societ's Chairperson, Gill Lake, with an engraved stand with whisky glasses and of course, a bottle of the finest malt!

Merit Award for Front of House Staff

October 2001

During the 2001 Brighton and Hove Council Drama Awards, Rottingdean Drama Society collected a Merit Award for Front of House Staff for the warmth of and attentive welcome.

Award for Best Overall Production

October 2000

During the 2000 Brighton and Hove Council Drama Awards, Rottingdean Drama Society collected the Bea Waters Challenge Cup for the Best Overall Production of Lysistrata.

Glorious Sinbad really warmed my heart

January 1998

This article, which appeared on the front page of The Argus on 29th January 1998, stunned many people across Sussex.

The Show Must Go On

January 1998

This article, appeared in the The Argus following the front page story.