Category Archives: News

Social Play Reading – Arsenic & Old Lace

News

While current production things are going on in the background, there is going to be an opportunity to read some plays.

The invitation is open for existing and new members, an excellent opportunity for those people who have expressed an interest in joining us, to meet some of the group in a social atmosphere and have a bit of fun reading. If you don’t want to read, but just want to come along and say Hi, that’s fine as well.

These are not auditions, but an excellent chance to experiment with characters, dodgy accents and suchlike. There’s no guarantee that DD will put this on as a play in the future, but who knows.

2nd March 2022 – 7:30pm at the Queen Victoria (Dagmar Rd, Dorchester DT1 2LW)

DD New year Social

News, Photos

In last couple of years, Dorchester Drama has not been able to hold any social events or parties. After all, No one is going to believe this is work…

However last night a few members got together for a new years social gathering to eat, drink, quiz and play a round or two of Werewolves & Villagers.

Dee, our wonderful photographer in this instance, was a little disappointed that she couldn’t be in the photos. But with a back catalogue of DD images from past productions and a few minutes in photoshop, I’ve cured that seamlessly I reckon. 😉

Trap for a Lonely Man – Robert Thomas

News

Dorchester Drama will be proud to present ‘Trap For a Lonely Man’ by Robert Thomas.

A gripping psychological thriller set in a French alpine chalet. A man reports his wife’s disappearance to the police but soon a woman turns up, claiming to be his wife, and makes herself at home. He insists he has never met her, she seems to know all about him and has evidence to prove it. What is the explanation? As the plot twists and turns a conspiracy unfolds and the tension and mystery build to the final moments.

Performance of this play will be at the Dorchester Town Hall , High St East
Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1HF

Thursday 30 July – Saturday 1 August 7.30pm plus Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets will be available from the box office number, Dorchester TIC and on the website later.

DD News Update

News

While we wait for more news about the upcoming production, I’m pleased to announce a couple of events coming up to keep our thespians on their toes and their dramatic skills honed.

This coming Wednesday 29th May, we’re holding a theatre sports evening (anyone remember ‘Who’s line is it anyway’?) at Sunning hill community Hall, 7:30pm. Personally, I’m a big fan of improvisation and the skills it can give you in drama.

Aug 9th: ‘Dark Side of the Moor’ – a Murder Mystery evening complete with food. Youth Association Hall in Lubbecke Way, Dorchester. Come find out Who Dunnit. Details to follow.

DD News – Upcoming events

News

‘A Moment with Dickens’ was a success and we’re pleased to be able to donate £150 to Julia’s House from the raffle and donations. Thanks to everyone who donated.

We’ve had a first read through for the November Production, ‘Doctor Faustus’ last night and news about auditions and casting will be around in the near future. If you’d like to be involved let us know through email or facebook etc.

We are aiming to keep a busy schedule over the summer months in order to keep as many people involved in the group as possible, but we are always on the hunt for new members both on stage and off, so anyone who may be interested in joining us, please feel free to come them along to any DD meeting.
Upcoming confirmed dates are as follows, and all will be held at Sunninghill Community centre from 19:30:

  • 01 May: Vocal techniques workshop run by Peter Gordon
  • 08 May: Play read of potential play(s) for Spring 2020 – run by Martin Stephen
  • 15 May: ‘Pub Quiz’ – run by Sean Colledge (please bring friends and family)
  • 22 May: TBC
  • 29 May: Theatre Sports workshop – run by Martin Stephen and Sean Colledge

Also during the Summer, there is a murder mystery evening planned. News following shortly.

Present Laughter – Tickets

News

Tickets.

At this time, we’re setting up the online ticketing which you will be able to access via the link at the top of our webpage. We’ll also be promoting it through Social Media.

Tickets will also be available at the Tourist Information Centre in Dorchester Library from tomorrow (24th Sept)

You can also ring the box office number and leave a message if there’s no one in to take your booking.

All tickets are £10, (or £7 for under 18s).

Performances are Thurs 15th, Fri 16th & Sat 17th Nov at 7:30pm with a Matinee on the Saturday as well at 2:30pm.

Present Laughter – Cast

News
So the initial plans are underway, casting is complete, and so the line learning begins. Below is a note from the Director.
Thanks to those of you who have shown interest in this production and attended the readings and auditions.  I have enjoyed hearing everyone read the various parts and have now decided on the cast.  In some cases, there were several possible actors for particular roles and I am sorry that I could not give everyone who auditioned a part.
As you know, there are other very important jobs to be done so that we can put on this play and I welcome offers to assist in any way with the production.  As I mentioned on Monday evening, finding a good, reliable prompt is very important to me, particularly from when books are put down so that I can give my full attention to watching the actors.
So, the cast will be as follows (in order of appearance);
Daphne                        Cassie Grindley
Miss Erikson               Fran Sansom
Fred                               Colin Elphick
Monica                         Monica Hunt
Garry                            Martin Stephen
Liz                                  Dee Thorne
Roland                         Sean Colledge
Henry                           Rob Sansom
Morris                          Steve Twinn
Joanna                       Jo Salisbury
Lady S                         Sue Worth
As the Director says, we’re still needing to people to do all those other vital tasks needed to put on a show, from setting lights, to printing tickets and above all, putting the word out so we get decent audiences to appreciate all the hard work.

Next Production News

News

We’re still getting praise in for the last production, Thanks to everyone who has been in contact to say that they enjoyed it. I’ll try to collect some of the best bits and post them later.

It is always a shame when a production comes to a finish, however, we at DD are never at a loss for something to fill the time and we’re already looking forward to the next production for next year.

‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’ is is a play by the German playwright Bertolt Brecht.  An example of Brecht’s epic theatre, the play is a parable about a peasant girl who rescues a baby and becomes a better mother than its wealthy natural parents.

This play has lots of characters and there will be a chance to players to take on multiple roles, so whether you do or don’t want a big part, there will be a part for you.

On Monday 4th December there will be a workshop to introduce the play at Acland Court 7:30pm.

Casting will be held at Sunninghill Community hall on Wednesdays 6th & and 13th, 7:30pm.

If you want to come along and find out a little more, feel free to drop in and say Hello and contact us even if you cannot make either of the castings.