Looking for new men!

26th July 2007

HUTTON Drama Club is looking for more men to join the group. The popular club, which puts on two plays and a pantomime each year, seems to attract more females than males.

• Hutton Drama Club in their Christmas production of Sleepy Beauty and the Magic Wok in January.

Anita Ford, aged 50, who has been a member of the club for 12 years, said: “We always need new members, especially men. It seems drama clubs in other areas as well are also in need of men to play the male roles. I think it’s because when you get involved in a drama club, it’s quite time consuming and people don’t often realise just how much work it takes.”

Members of the group are already rehearsing for their next production in September, which will be in a slightly different style than their usual performances.
Sudden Death at Hutton Manor will be performed as a 1950s radio play. During the interval the actors will step into the audience and viewers will be able to talk to them and ask them questions to try to find out who the murderer is.

Anita said: “All the characters have to answer the questions truthfully, except the murderer.

“They will have their scripts in front of them so they won’t have to learn lines, but the actors have to get to know their characters really well and know how they will react with the other people in the play.”

The performance is on from September 28-29. After the murder mystery the busy thespians will be gearing up for their pantomime, Carol’s Christmas, in January, written by their chairman Peter Ford.

The Christmas production will be followed by a comedy in May, set in an old people’s home, called Laying The Ghost.

With plays lined up until Spring next year, it is clear the group is very dedicated. But as well as plenty of hard work, members enjoy regular social events such as treasure hunts and barbecues.

Anita said: “If you want to meet characters, the drama club is the ideal place. Everybody is friendly, it’s fun and it’s different. I enjoy going out and scouting for costumes and pretending to be different characters. It’s great fun.”

The club needs thespians, musicians, carpenters, painters, caterers and volunteers who can do needlework, promote the plays and go along to support the cast and crew during their performances.

THE FACTS:
• Name of club: Hutton Drama Club
• Founded: 1976
• Membership: 25
• Who the club caters for: People of any age with an interest in drama or helping behind the scenes.
• Meeting place and time: Hutton Village Hall on Mondays at 7.30pm.
• President/ chairman: Peter Ford.
• Who to contact for more details: Peter Ford on 01934 815077.