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 three plays – during the February, May/June and October half-term breaks – plus Crackers, our pre-Christmas review. 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.
KADDS Review
TIME & TIME AGAIN
A play of human relations by Alan Ayckbourn
Directed by Dick Palmer & Georgie Lucas
It was a treat to see this gentle comedy, under the excellent direction of Dick Palmer and Georgie Lucas, held at Kingswood Village Hall from 27th-29th October 2022. The set was excellent, and all credit must go to Steve Kippen, with talented artistry by Bob Ebert. The stage not only encompassed the back of a house, but included a huge conservatory and garden, creatively constructed.
As the play progressed, Kingswood Village Hall magically increased in size to include cricket and football pitches, viewed by actors peering over the auditorium. Although imaginary, these pitches seemed entirely believable, due to the highest quality of sound and lighting by David Ames. Convincing performances from all five characters left the audience in no doubt that fast action was happening both in front of their eyes (romantic shenanigans) and behind their backs (inevitable sporting disasters).
Mike Strong nailed the character of Graham as the worst type of grumpy and lecherous man, while Sally Moss beautifully played his wife, Anna. Anna was not only saddled with Graham but also with her oddball brother Leonard who enjoyed conversing with a massive stone gnome in the garden! Geoff Thorne achieved the impossible by combining Leonard’s eccentricities and vacant ineptitude with an ability to steal the fiancée of one of Graham’s valued employees, Peter.
Andy Savage gave us a sensitive portrayal of Peter, who persisted in burying his head in the sand rather than face confrontation. Julie Palmer played Peter’s fiancée Joan, in a cleverly nuanced performance. Her initial sweetness morphed into a character with unrealistically high expectations who managed to substitute romantic loyalty for romantic flexibility, switching painlessly from Peter to Leonard, whilst moving mountains to avoid the lecherous Graham!
Judy Parnall as Producer coordinated an experienced team, and her presence in all areas backstage ensured that the play ran smoothly from the moment when the Stage Manager Jenny Alger welcomed the audience so courteously. KADDS also owes a debt of gratitude to Jill Gunn for her publicity, Colin Edgerton as prompt, and to Maggie Kippen who provided authentic costumes from the seventies. Grateful thanks to Kingswood Village Store who once again gave their Box Office support.
Do please come to Blithe Spirit, 1-3 June 2023 to see KADDS’ next production. This is not one to miss! A loop system within the hall can help those hard of hearing.
Angie Mathers
Forthcoming Events & Productions
Please see details of the forthcoming KVCA AGM and KADDS AGM on Wednesday 12th April and also the production of Blithe Spirit on Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd June.
All tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/kadds.
