History
Shotley Drama Group was formed in September 1982 with the help of Carol Blumfield and Yvonne Chartier. They borrowed £50.00 from the
Shotley Community Council to help stage their first production. As money was very tight, rehearsals didn't take place in the Village Hall but in
Carol's front room! This did not put off the members who were: Jane Lowry, Peter Taylor, Terry and Audrey Perkins.
In January 1983 Shotley Drama Group staged its very first production with only 5 cast members! Over the years the drama group
has grown and developed with the number of people that are in the productions, the number of people that help backstage, set building,
costumes and more! Shotley Drama Group has staged over 40 productions to this date. This include pantomimes, plays and reviews.
Shotley Drama Group has always encouraged children to take to the stage, all ages from 10-16 years olds are warmly welcome.
The children are always willing and ready to play the parts that they are given, and look forward to performing them in front
of their friends and family in production week.
Carol said: 'We are always happy to welcome new members, whether they would like to perform or help out backstage with
wardrobe or one of the many other jobs that need to be done before the curtain opens on the opening night.'
After much hard work by all the members of the group whether it is learning their lines, songs, painting scenery, constructing sets and
drinking huge amounts of tea and coffee, the show always goes on.
Shotley drama Group has been very lucky in the past few years to come and keep together a splendid core of members from both Shotley
and further away places such as Ipswich and Brantham, who by working
together have created a wonderful atmosphere in Shotley Drama Group which puts a lot of fun into the hard work.
We would like to say a big thank you to you, the audience, because without your continuing support we would be unable to carry on,
providing entertainment for you all.