MORE than 70 years after its members first trod the boards, Abingdon Drama Club is looking forward to another year of performances.
The 80 members are preparing to perform Shakespeare’s Henry V from Wednesday, March 25, to Saturday, March 28, at the Unicorn Theatre.
It comes after a year when the club performed four shows including a world premiere of The Wrong Goodbye by Abing-don writer Stephen Rees.
Henry V director and former club chairman Mike Ward said the group’s diversity was the key to its success down the years.
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The 36-year-old graphic designer, from Abingdon, said: “The club is about putting on the best possible shows but the main thing is that it has to be fun, and the fun aspect is very important.
“We are all very close. If someone in the club gets ill people rally around and help them.
“There are people who are more serious and people who are less serious. It really is a team sport and it is about people getting together.
“Not everybody is involved in every single show but there are a core group who have been involved in everything.”
Drama club members in Not Now Darling (2002).
The club was founded in 1944 after another drama society, the Guild of Abbey Players, folded.
Mr Ward said the club’s platinum jubilee last year was celebrated in typical fashion.
He said: “There was nothing major last year but we had various exhibitions of old photos and we got together to reminisce and spent a lot of time in the pub. Acting is very intense and often provokes strong feelings and friendships.
“Lots of relationships happen too.”
Promotion for the pantomime Aladdin (1992).
The club meets regularly at its clubhouse in Marcham Road and there are opportunities for directing, prop design and backstage work as well as acting.
Mr Ward joined 15 years ago, has performed in about 20 plays and has been involved in back-stage work for dozens more.
On location for Sand Castles (2000).
He said: “We are always happy to have some new people who want to turn up and see us or get in touch by email.
“In the early days people were just members of the club and that was all they did, but now people have busier lives and jobs so our atmosphere is less strict.
“Whether they want to be on stage or backstage there is likely to be an opportunity for them here.”
To get involved in the club, email membership@abingdon-drama-club.com
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