Longhill School Community Orchard Clear Up (Over 16 only)

November 2011

Longhill School needs you to help clear land in preparation for planting apple tree in there community orchard. If you would like to help, please go along on Sat 12th and/or Sun 13th Nov 10am-4pm, behind Deans Leisure. Due to health & safety, over 16's only. Please bring gardening tools and wear suitable clothing. If you are interested, please contact Ms K Abingdon for further information Tel; 01273 304 086 / Email; kabingdo@longhill.org.uk

Social Networking features launched on website

January 2011

Throughout the Rottingdean Drama Society website you are now able to 'Like' or 'Tweet' any page. To 'Like' or 'Tweet' a page means it will appear on your Facebook profile or Twitter messages or microblog, along with a link to the page you clicked the button on. You can also choose to add a comment or message. Other Facebook and Twitter users can see that you like our website. For more information about these services and registration, please visit Facebook or Twitter.

2010/11 Pantomime Raffle Charity Announcement

November 2010

The proceeds of the 2010/11 pantomime raffle will be split between: the Carousel Project which helps people with a learning disability reach their potential in the arts; and Spurgeons which supports vulnerable children to enjoy their childhood and fulfil their true potential. Please buy a raffle ticket from the auditorium during one of the pantomime performances and support these worthwhile charities. Thank you.

Play Reading Dates for 2011

October 2010

Why not attend one of the organised monthly play readings held in the Hall on the last Friday of the month from 8.00pm?

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!

The schedule Friday 25th March 2011, Friday 29th April 2011, Friday 27th May 2011, Friday 24th June 2011, Friday 29th July 2011, Friday 30th September 2011 and Friday 25th November 2011.

Annual Lions Swimarathon

October 2010

On Sunday 17th October, the Rottingdean Drama Society provided one of thirteen teams of swimmers who took part in the annual Lions Swimarathon at the Roedean School Pool. Early indications of the sums pledged show the event can expect to exceed last year's total sponsorship of £2,687.45. When all is gathered in, half will go to the Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice and half to the team's nominated charity. Rottingdean Drama Society chose "Children with Cancer".

The highlight of this year's entries was Ken Stevens, a wonderfully spry gentleman of 93, who joined Anita Gilson’s team from The Sackville Theatre Company. He puts his fine condition down to swimming three times a week and a diet fortified by the honey his hives produce. Or, as he puts it, "care – luck – honey instead of sugar and bee stings!". He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve before the 2nd World War and taught pilots and navigators through to his demob in 1946. His extensive travels have developed a network of Esperanto speaking friends.

With thanks to the RDS swimmers and their sponsors, who I hope will be happy to do it all again next year!

2011 Programme Published

October 2010

We are pleased to be able to publish our programme plan for the next year. This includes a range of genres and plays to suit different tastes. Please click here for more information.

Richard Green completes Brighton Marathon

April 2010

Richard Green, one of our active members, completed the 26 miles 385 yards inaugural Brighton Marathon in 5hrs 23mins raising a grand total of £850 for the Martlets Hospice.

The route took him from the start line at Preston Park, through the sights of central Brighton before heading east towards Rottingdean. The race then headed west, out to and around Hove before returning to the seafront and finishing on Madeira Drive, close to Brighton Pier. Well done Dickey! We hope you were not too puffed afterwards. Thank you to all those who generously sponsored Dickey.

NEW Box Office

April 2010

From April 2010 the box office will now be located at the Open Art Gallery Café, 6 Neville Road, Rottingdean, BN2 7HG. The box office is open during 10am and 4pm, two weeks before the first night of each production. The café is light, warm and airy and there are a variety of beverages and snacks on sale. There will also be a new box office telephone number: 07977 523 253.

The Debating Society

March 2010

The Debating Society will be holding a debate at 8pm on Tuesday 20th April at the Cornerstone Community Centre, Palmeira Square, Brighton. There will be two main speakers to propose and oppose the motion “The Arts are no longer part of our lives”. Speakers from the floor will be able to contribute their thoughts, and speak to the meeting for three minutes before the main speakers sum up and the vote is taken. The meeting is open to all comers. There is an entrance charge of £1 which includes tea and coffee after the meeting. Further information can be found at www.debsoc.com.

Thanks to RDS for help at Jumble Sale

February 2010

The organisers of the jumble sale held in the Village Hall on Saturday 6th February in aid of the charity Compassion would like to thank those Members who generously gave items for the sale, and all those who helped on the day. The sale raised £491. The charity raises funds to provide education and health care for children in the third world.

Pantomime Raffle

January 2010

The panto raffle raised the grand total of £606 this year. The money will be shared equally between CLIC Sargent and Macmillan Cancer Support. Thanks for your generous prize donations. Thanks also to Sidonie Lake, Vikki White and Zara Wilkins for selling raffle tickets.

Ernest Wallace

January 2010

It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Ernest Wallace who passed away on Christmas Eve. Our sympathy and condolences go to Mary and her family on their sad loss.

BHAC Awards

December 2009

The drama awards evening was held this year in Brighton College. The event was graced by the presence of the lady Mayor and her consort. We were all delighted to learn that Audrey Pickles had won the Best Costume award and also to hear that Ben O’Donohoe had been one of the nominations for Best Actor.

Play Reading - A Chorus of Disapproval - 27th November 2009

October 2009

As part of our monthly play readings, held in the Hall on the last Friday of the month at 8.00pm we are delighted to be reading A Chorus of Disapproval, by Alan Ayckbourn on the 27th November 2009.

If you are thinking of joining the society and want to meet some of the members, please join us. We look forward to seeing you there!

Congratulations to Christine Myers!

October 2009

Congratulations to Christine Myers on obtaining a first class honours degree. We all wish you every success for the future. Christine has often been back-stage and on-stage throughout the past few years. Well done!

RDS at Lions Charity Swimarathon

October 2009

Five of our aquatic thespians (Leigh Eardley, Gill Lake, Natalie Mundroina, Josh Osborne and Graham Stapley) took to the water again for the 2009 Swimarathon held at St Dunstans. The distance covered was 52 laps (104 lengths) in the 55 minutes - just two laps short of the Longhill Team, who swam the furthest. The team raised the goodly total of £300 for the Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice. Total sponsorship for the event is hoped to exceed £2,400. Graham Stapley on behalf of The Lions Club is very grateful to the Drama Society for our entry and contribution at a busy time before a production. The RDS Team in turn would also like to say thank you to their sponsors. Well done to all concerned!

Gill Lake retires as Chairperson after 10 years!

September 2009

A huge thank you to Gill Lake for all that she has done for the Society over the past ten years as Chairperson. During the AGM, Gill was given a lovely bouquet of flowers and a lovely new hand-bag! Gill will still be serving on the committee as an ordinary member.

Brighton and Hove Arts Council Awards Evening

December 2008

The Rottingdean Drama Society contingent had a super time at the re-vamped awards ceremony held at the Barn Theatre in Southwick.
There was also cause for great celebration as Graham Stapley was named Best Actor, Felicity King was named joint winner of the Chairman's Award, along with Adam Newington of the BLT, for most promising young actor/actress and Gill Lake took the award for Best Costume.

Felicity King named PROMISING YOUNG ACTRESS at BHAC Awards

December 2008

As part of the 2008 Brighton and Hove Arts Council Drama Competition, Felicity King was presented with the Chairman's Award, PROMISING YOUNG ACTRESS in the performance of 'Ring Round the Moon'. Congratulations to Felicity and Adrian Herbert for direction!

Graham Stapley named BEST ACTOR at BHAC Awards

December 2008

As part of the 2008 Brighton and Hove Arts Council Drama Competition, Graham Stapley was presented with the BEST ACTOR award in the performance of 'Ring Round the Moon', directed by Adrian Herbert. Congratulations Graham and Adrian for direction.

Gill Lake awarded with BEST COSTUME at BHAC Awards

December 2008

As part of the 2008 Brighton and Hove Arts Council Drama Competition, Gill Lake was presented with the BEST COSTUME award, in the performance of 'Ring Round the Moon', directed by Adrian Herbert. Congratulations to Gill and to Audrey Pickles, responsible for wardrobe and Adrian for direction.

Ticket price increase from 2009

December 2008

From the 1st January 2009, the adult ticket price will increase by one pound to £7. The child ticket price remains as £3. During 2009, the ticket price for the first performance of each production will be discounted by £1, at £6 per ticket.

Early Bird Discount!

December 2008

During 2009, the ticket price for the first performance of each production will be discounted by £1, at £6 per ticket.

Production display in The Grange

October 2008

Mary Wallace from Rottingdean Drama Society mounts a pre-production display at 'The Grange' in Rottingdean, advertising each forthcoming show.

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.