History
The group originated as a section of the then Esso Petroleum Club, combined with the Operatic Society. The Operatic Society moved out when the Torch Theatre was built and this became their venue. The group continued as just drama performing plays and pantomimes. On the sale of the Club to a private concern the group was forced to move out and after having stored all the equipment in various garden sheds and garages around the town found a home in what was the Empire Cinema in Stratford Road (which is where the Stratford comes from in the name).
The front half of the building was a wine warehouse divided by a brick wall from the cinema and bingo hall. The seats were still intact but it took the group weeks to tidy the place up and make it acceptable for the general public. The only thing missing were toilets but for productions a portaloo was put outside. The group remained at the Empire for two years but this was then sold. The group put in a bid for it but was unsuccessful and once again we were on the move. The old Esso Club which had now become the Quarterdeck was under new management and they invited us back. Unfortunately we were only there for one pantomime and it was sold again and out we had to go. This is when the Church agreed to us taking over from their drama group which had folded and the Church Hall became our permanent home where we have been for about the last twenty years.
Panto's - 1999 - Treasure Island
2000 - Pantomonium
2001 - Robin Hood
2002 - Puss In Boots
2003 - Ali Baba
2004 - Beauty and the Beast
2005 - Cinderella
2006 - Sleeping Beauty
2007 - Dick Whittington
2008 - Aladdin
2009 - Jack and the Beanstalk
2010 - Sinbad
2011 - Puss in Boots
2012 - Sleeping beauty
Plays 1991 - Blithe Spirit
1996 - Trivial Pursuits
1997 - Family Planning
1998 - A Fly in the Ointment
1999 - Key for Two
2000 - Love Begins at Forty
2001 - Darling Mr.London
Dial O for Orgy. (Performed in Pill Social Centre for charity - written by Jeff Dunn)
2002 - Find the Lady
2003 - There Goes the Bride
2004 - Caught on the Hop
2005 - Basinful of the Briny
2006 - Trivial Pursuits
2007 - Will You Still Love me in the Morning
2008 - Flying Feathers
2009 - Play On
2010 - Surprise Package.
2011 - The continental Quilt
2012- The Bobby wilson Story ( written by Jeff Dunn, performed at the Torch )