THE actors and actresses above provided plenty of laughter among the audience when they took to the stage.
Members of Charlbury Amateur Dramatic Society – better known as CADS - gave three performances of Move Over Mrs Markham at Charlbury Memorial Hall in 1988.
You can imagine the hilarity when three couples converge on a top-floor London flat for a night of love, only to find they are not the only ones there.
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Our mention of the show (Memory Lane, January 4) reminded CADS’ members of their colourful history – they are celebrating almost 50 years on stage.
The group’s first production, Alan Ayckbourn’s Relatively Speaking, took place in 1976.
Committee member Sally Aldridge tells me: “Our present chair, Olive Woods, joined in 1977 with Mother Goose Christmas and is holding the post for the third time.
“Her wealth of experience from the professional world is invaluable. She has directed more shows than she has acted in.
“Those she has directed include Caged Birds in 1980, Reflections in 1982 and the Illusionist in 1983 – all part of the Four Shires Festival. They were big productions with lots of members.
“In 2001, for the pantomime, Sing a Song of Sixpence, 28 people auditioned. Rehearsals took place at the old school overlooking the Green.
“Freddy Jones, the well-known actor, was president at that time.
“CADS attracts members from surrounding villages.
“Our secretary, Sue Haffenden, from Chadlington, has been a member for 45 years.
“Her passion, love and enthusiasm for English and drama is infections – she also directs shows as well as treading the boards.”
The group tackles a variety of shows - pantomimes, farce, comedy and more serious topics.
It also organises special events, for example raising money for Charlbury community centre and celebrating the late Queen’s platinum jubilee.
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Indoor venues include the Memorial Hall and St Mary’s Church in Charlbury, Chipping Norton Theatre and Marlborough School, Woodstock, while outdoor performances have taken place at street fairs and in gardens.
Ms Aldridge writes: “Today, we are welcoming new young members, enjoying, reviving and growing again.
“We cater for all tastes, all abilities, all ages – anyone who wants to be involved is welcome.”
CADS will be performing Tom Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound at Chadlington Memorial Hall in Chapel Lane on Friday, May 24 at 8pm and Saturday, May 25 at 2.30pm and 8pm.
Call the box office on 07776 426993 or pay £10 cash at the door.
The society is always looking for new members.
Get in touch if you fancy acting, making sets, costumes, or helping behind the scenes with props, sound or lighting,
For more information email sue.haffenden@gmail.com
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
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