We are a very active, happy and friendly group and welcome new members, not only actors and singers, but also back-stage people who can sew, paint, or are handy with a hammer.
Scout & Guide HQ / Aughton Village Hall for Rehearsals and Aughton Village Hall for Productions
Rehearsals - Wednesdays at Scout & Guide HQ and Fridays at Aughton Village Hall
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Leader Les Rippon 01704 880247
The Drama Group meets at the above locations and days / times for rehearsals.
We normally present two Productions a year usually with a one-act play in the first half and a variety of entertainment in the second half although we now include Murder Mysteries and full length plays from time to time. All members and friends and family are welcome to attend. Check out the list of Past Productions. And see reviews of Past Shows below.
This was the Drama Group‘s first attempt at a pantomime for many years and at first we had some reservations. There were challenges along the way in terms of scenery design and costumes and also rehearsing Christmas songs in the summer heatwave! We all really enjoyed the experience and the audiences got into the spirit right from the start (oh yes they did!).
Thank you to everyone who came to support us – we do appreciate it. We look forward to seeing you at our next production. Dates for your diary – 19th and 20th May 2023. Tickets are already selling fast at Horizons Meetings!
Here is a selection of the photos from the show. (Click or tap on any picture to run the Gallery as a Slideshow.)
It was ‘all aboard’ the S S Persephone when the Drama Group presented ‘The Persephone Affair’ – a murder mystery – in Aughton Village Hall, which was attended on Saturday evening by the play’s author Kevin Green.
The Hall was transformed for the evening into the liner’s first class lounge thus ensuring that the audience felt part of the plot.
All the actors fully immersed themselves in their parts, taking on wonderfully the character being played. It was revealed through the course of the play that each one of them was in financial straits. A touch of humour was supplied every time the Steward appeared when the ship seemed to roll. This was achieved by a superbly choreographed swaying by all the actors who were on
the stage.
When Lady Daphne met an untimely end it was apparent that each one of them had a motive and was a suspect. Miss Marbles, an amateur sleuth, announced that the death was ‘murder by poisoning’. As she led the suspects away, the audience was left to contemplate the means, motive and opportunity for the murder, over an excellent supper.
We all left the hall having had a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening.
Sally Bahia
Group members were also able to take part in other activities such as: Sunday Social
Loitering within Tent
In 2017 the Drama Group were asked for volunteers to take part in a short film being made by
Edge Hill University students. The film, “Take Care” is now available to view on YouTube and
stars Jackie Roscoe and Maureen Bridge. Congratulations to both of them.
Summer Social
On Parade
“Summer Serenade” with the u3a Choir
Everything in Moderation
Lost at Sea
“Acting Up”
In 2015 five of our members attended the first session of a pilot scheme called “Acting Up”.
This was run by Kaleidoscope, a Northern Ireland professional theatre company and was held at
the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester. Representatives of several other U3A Drama or Play
Reading groups from the North West region also attended.
There were many activities during the day including ice breakers, memory games, learning focus
and stagecraft, improvisation and acting in sketches. The two excellent facilitators, Kerry and
Karen made it interesting and enjoyable for all.
There then followed two further workshops building on the knowledge and experience gained
and the icing on the cake was a performance at The Lowry, Manchester on 23 rd February. The
Drama Group members performed three sketches, two of which were written by Kerry Rooney,
who is the Artistic Director of Kaleidoscope.
We learned a lot and everyone enjoyed the workshops, especially the opportunity to perform on a
professional stage.
This was an experience which we will remember for a long time.
