KADDS – Amateur Dance & Drama

KADDS — KINGSWOOD AMATEUR DRAMA AND DANCE SOCIETY

Drama in Kingswood has an outstanding reputation and a faithful following. At its inception in 1980, it functioned under the banner of the KVCA. This proved so successful that after ten years, a separate drama committee was formed, known as KADDS (Kingswood Amateur Drama and Dance Society) to continue the wide variety of productions, which included classical and modern drama, comedies, thrillers, pantomimes, revues and Christmas shows.

100% of all profits are given to the KVCA for the upkeep of the hall, and this benefits Kingswood Village generally, by keeping the charges to other hall users as low as possible. In order to continue the high standard and variety of productions at KADDS, we welcome interest from the local community, not only on stage and backstage, but through our audiences. Attending our events is a most enjoyable way of supporting your village. It is an extremely friendly group which welcomes adults and children alike, so do take a minute to look at our forthcoming events.

We also advertise on the Amateur Dramatics Worldwide site.

For more information please contact Judy Parnall, Chairman, KADDS.

Why not join KADDS?

KADDS is a wonderful local drama group putting on shows to an excellent standard, and having fun in doing so. But we find ourselves relying on a smaller group of people to participate in the production of plays and shows, particularly behind the scenes, and we are keen to recruit more!

Each year we aim to put on two plays – one during either the February or the May/June half-term break and the other in the October half-term break.  Each production is a separate entity and you can be involved in one, or as many as you wish. For each we hold auditions approximately three months prior to the performance, led by the Director, when the actors are chosen, and we decide on the Back Stage roles. Each production requires a Producer, Set Building and Stage Setting, Stage Manager, Prompt, Lighting, Costumes, Props and even someone to help with tea-making at rehearsals. You do not need to have had previous experience.

We are a very friendly group, and during the rehearsals and production it is a great deal of fun, culminating in the satisfaction and thrill of the Play itself. And always followed by a party!

If you have ever felt you would like to join in, be part of it and the camaraderie, then PLEASE CONTACT Judy Parnall.

Review of The Cemetery Club, our Autumn 2024 play

This wonderful play, written by Ivan Menchell and performed at Kingswood Village Hall at the end of October, has aptly been described as “A Comedy to Die For”. Three Jewish widows meet monthly for tea before visiting the graves of their husbands. A friendship between them develops, and it is assumed that nothing will change, yet secretly the sweet natured Ida would love to meet a new man. The arrival of a butcher, Sam, sets her heart fluttering but alas the other two widows, Lucille and Doris, both disapprove and attempt to do everything in their power to discourage their budding romance.

I have experienced KADDS productions over many years and am constantly amazed that theatrical experiences of such quality can be created within a village hall. The performances of all actors were delightful, striking a nuanced balance between comedy and pathos. Direction has a high reputation at KADDS, but I must commend Lesley Crowther-Smith, not only for her direction, but for bringing enthusiastic and professional talent to the stage. The contrasting characters of the delightfully sweet Ida (Jenny Alger), the feisty Lucille (Elayne Teague) and the judgmental Doris (Kate Strafford), all gave this play real depth. Charlie Crowther-Smith’s performance was noteworthy as Sam, grieving his wife whilst also being enchanted by Ida’s charm. Jan Robinson, taking the smaller part of Mildred, portrayed it beautifully. All five actors impressed the audience, not only with their mastery of the New York Jewish accent, but also with their ability to portray heartfelt emotion within this brilliant comedy. I look forward to seeing all these actors again.

Steve Kippen designed and created one of his clever sets, and costumes of the era were chosen and fitted with care by Maggie Kippen. David Ames ably managed both lights and sound, and the smooth team included Elinor Kriegler as Prompt and the various Props slickly managed by two local brothers Vihaan and Tanush Shah.

A special mention should be made of Judy Parnall, a remarkable Producer and Stage Manager. She inspired both the Backstage Crew and Front of House team, whilst also taking responsibility for programmes and publicity, encouraging theatre lovers to experience KADDS’ performances. Those lucky enough to attend this production will surely return.

Angie Mathers

Forthcoming Events & Productions

Please see details of our forthcoming production of Plaza Suite by Neil Simon running from Thursday 29th – Saturday 31st May 2025

All tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/kadds and from Kingswood Village Store, Waterhouse Lane from 1st April.