Grantham Dramatic Society

Join us for a fabulous clothes swapping evening!

2012-02-01T15:05:00.000Z

Come along to our swishing/shwopping/clothes swapping event at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 22nd February at Cafe Leo! Have fun updating your wardrobe for next to nothing, and support the Arts in Grantham at the same time. A fabulously fun evening out, come with friends and have a giggle. This event is open to all, so please invite friends and family!

How it works: bring your good condition clothes, shoes and accessories to swap. We'll also have a small stock of clothes already there. For each item you bring, you'll be given a swap token. Exchange your swap token for any item. So, if you bring 5 items, you'll get 5 swap tokens and be able to take home 5 other items.

What if you see more items you'd like than you have swap tokens? You'll be able to buy more swap tokens for a minimum donation of £1 each.

Entry: £3, including a free glass of wine and an extra free swap token! Tickets available on the door, or in advance from Cafe Leo. Wine, coffees and cupcakes will also be on sale, courtesy of Cafe Leo. We're hoping to also have a couple of crafty stalls - more info to follow.

Find us on Facebook, and share our event with your friends and family - we've set up an open event, so simply visit the page and click the 'Invite Friends' button to let everyone know about it!

Organised by Grantham Dramatic Society and hosted by Cafe Leo. We're raising money to support the running of our growing group, and to diversify with new projects. Any unswapped items will be donated to local charity shops.

Readings for The 39 Steps

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000Z

Grantham Dramatic Society will be performing The 39 Steps at Grantham's Guildhall Arts Centre from 23-26 May 2012. We will be holding readings for this production at The Green Room (see Map section) on 24th and 26th January at 7.30pm. These readings are your opportunity to try out for a part, and are an informal chance for the Director to see if you'd be suited to one of the roles.

For more information about the play see the latest production page.

First look at cast photos!

2011-11-24T00:18:00.001Z

We're in the final stages of rehearsals for Going Postal, so we've had our cast photoshoot. The cast and their costumes and makeup look amazing. You won't believe Mr Pump until you see him!

Check out the photos on the Latest Production page.

Don't miss your chance to see this fantastic show - book your tickets now! Booking on the Guildhall website, you can take advantage of their new reservations system - you can now see a plan of the theatre and choose your preferred seats! Great news!

Don't forget, when booking 8 tickets or more you can take advantage of our special offer of £1 off every ticket.

Going Postal rehearsal sneak peek!

2011-11-13T23:12:00.001Z

Take a sneaky look behind the scenes at our rehearsals for Going Postal! These pics are from a few weeks ago, so now our cast have put the books down and the costumes are all but ready.

Moist von Lipwig in a temporary 'golden' hat!

Reacher Gilt (sans long black wig) works his magic on Mr Pony

Moist tries to learn the truth about the Post Office from Tolliver Groat

New Going Postal videos from GDS!

2011-11-07T23:34:00.000Z

We're having a great time rehearsing for Going Postal, so we thought we'd share some clips with you. Enjoy our out-takes video, and see Igor and Mr Slant perform their version of 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson!

Stamp competition winner announced!

2011-10-25T15:00:00.003+01:00

Artistically talented Grace Francis of New Balderton was chosen by GDS' Chairperson Vicky Williamson as the winner of our 'Design a stamp' competition.

Vicky said: "I love Grace's design and the way it captures the whole of the Discworld. I'm really impressed by all the entries which were really creative." The winning design will shortly be seen around the area on posters and leaflets promoting our production of 'Going Postal'.

Grace commented: It's fantastic news! I'm really looking forward to seeing the play and so pleased that there's some Discworld Amdram happening right on my doorstep."

GDS would like to thank everyone who entered the competition. Grace is a Terry Pratchett fan, and you can read her Discworld fanfiction on her website, Jurious.co.uk.

Put your stamp on our posters!

2011-10-14T14:11:00.003+01:00

Grantham's favourite performing arts group has launched a new competition which will see the winner's artistic efforts plastered all over town.

People young and old are encouraged to submit their design for a stamp, based on our current production of 'Going Postal' by Terry Pratchett, to be featured on all the show's publicity. The marketing materials for our comedy show will include letters, parcels and stamps. We're sending out a challenge to Grantham to get creative and design a stamp that will be included on our posters, leaflets, programmes and website.

So get busy designing your stamp! It can be whatever shape you like, as long as it fits in with Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld' in which the play is set. It's a fantasy world, but you don't have to be a Pratchett fan or a discworld expert to take part. Just search online for ‘Terry Pratchett', 'Going Postal’ or check out our 'latest production' page for ideas - there's loads of inspiration out there!

In addition to this money-can't-buy prize, the winner will also receive a £25 voucher to spend at Westgate Gallery, the town art supplies store.

'Going Postal', adapted from the Discworld novel by Terry Pratchett, will be on at the Guildhall Arts Centre from 30th November 2011 to 3rd December 2011, performed nightly at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Guildhall.

Terms and conditions:
Entries must be received by 21st October 2011. Please send your entries to Grantham Dramatic Society, Unit 19, The Old Malthouse, Springfield Road, Grantham, NG31 7BG. Alternatively entries can be scanned and emailed to us or dropped in to the Journal offices. Name, address and email address and/or phone number must be supplied. Unfortunately we cannot return any entries, unless a stamped addressed envelope is included. The winner will be chosen by Grantham Dramatic Society's Chairperson.

Rehearsal update - Going Postal

2011-10-03T00:26:00.000+01:00

With our performance of Blackadder now completed, (it was part of the Guildhall's 20th Anniversary celebrations), our full attention is on preparations for Going Postal.

Our actors are creating hilarious, heart-warming and evil characters, and with over 30 characters in the show, this is proving to be one of our biggest productions ever. The costumes are already looking fantastic, and the set is going to be something really different!

Everyone we mention the show to is really enthusiastic, so bag your tickets now to avoid disappointment. We'll keep you updated, with photos and video coming soon.

Don't miss GDS revival of Blackadder II at the Guildhall this week!

2011-09-05T13:42:00.003+01:00

As part of the Guildhall Arts Centre's 20th Anniversary celebration, GDS is proud to be taking part in the best-of show 'That's Entertainment'. For this week only, we will be reviving one episode from our 2006 production of Blackadder II. It's a short run so grab tickets while you can!

We will be performing an abridged version of the episode 'Bells' (the one where Blackadder falls in love with new servant, Bob). Many of the original cast are reprising their roles, including Chris Dakin as Blackadder, Paul Dexter as Percy and Jo Toomey as Queenie. The cast all have their characters down perfectly, and it's a hilarious show.

'That's Entertainment' is a variety show featuring the best of local productions over the last 20 years. Also on the bill are St Peter's Hill Players, Harrowby Singers, Grantham Operatic Society and many more. There's sure to be plenty to entertain everyone in this varied programme, so come along and support local groups and celebrate the Guildhall's 20th Anniversary. Free glass of wine included in the ticket price.

Thursday 8th - Saturday 10th September, 7.30pm. Click here for more info and tickets

Tickets for Going Postal now on sale!

2011-08-02T13:19:00.003+01:00

Tickets for Going Postal are now on sale from the Guildhall. Judging by the positive responses we've been getting, this promises to be a popular show, so get your tickets early!

"You don't have to be a fan of Terry Pratchett to enjoy the play", comments GDS Vice-Chairperson Helen Pack. "Although it's set in a different world, there are many similarities to the real world, and it's really a satire on the politics of the postal service, corruption in big business and the impact of technology."

Sounds awfully familiar...

There's still time to get involved!

2011-08-02T13:15:00.000+01:00

There are lots of characters in this show, and some of them are still up for grabs. You could also get your first taste of performing by being a citizen or postman - no lines, but plenty of fun. We also need people to get stuck in backstage, helping with costumes, sets and promotions. If you like to have a laugh and want to express your creativity, please come along. Graphic Designers particularly welcome!
A warm welcome and a nice cuppa await you!
Next production meeting: Wednesday August 17th, 7.30pm at the Green Room.
Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7.30pm at the Green Room.

Please contact us before you come, so we know to expect you.

GDS Annual General Meeting 2011

2011-07-06T22:35:00.002+01:00

Grantham Dramatic Society's Annual General Meeting, 2011, will be held at the Green Room, the Society's rehearsal rooms (see maps page to find out where) on Friday, July 22nd at 7.30pm.

This meeting is open to all members and anyone with an interest in the work of the Society.

Nomination forms for the committee will shortly be circulated to members. Contact us at info@granthamdramaticsociety if you would like more information.

Missed our first reading of Going Postal? Come to the next!

2011-06-30T22:46:00.003+01:00

Don't worry if you weren't able to make it to the readings of 'Going Postal' we've had so far. You're more than welcome to attend the next reading on Tuesday 12th July at 7.30pm at the Green Room. Our readings are friendly and informal, and you'll be under no pressure.

There's lots of characters in this show, and all of them are still up for grabs. It's a fun show full of unique characters, and with plenty of scope for costumes, sets and promotions. If you like to have a laugh and want to express your creativity, please come along.

A warm welcome and a nice cuppa await you!

We're ‘Going Postal’ thanks to voters

2011-06-23T22:43:00.004+01:00

Grantham Dramatic Society's next production will be Terry Pratchett’s ‘Going Postal’, following our public vote.

We asked local people to help choose our next play, and the comic caper ‘Going Postal’ was the final choice. People completing a short survey were also entered into a prize draw, and a £25 voucher was won by a lucky entrant.

We’re really excited by the response to our survey. This was definitely a popular choice, and we can’t wait to get started on the show. There are plenty of parts for a variety of ages, and we have some exciting ideas for the production.

Anyone interested in getting involved with any part of the production is invited to attend an open reading on Thursday 30th June at 7.30pm. Readings will take place at GDS’ rehearsal room at The Old Malthouse on Springfield Road. Maps and details can be found on the 'Location' page. Readings are an informal opportunity to get to know the play, and for us to get to know you. We sit in a circle and everyone gets a chance to read a part out loud.

Whether you want to act or to help out backstage, we’d love you to come along to our reading. From graphic design to costume and set-building, there’s much more to putting on a show than the acting!

Help us choose our next play for a chance to win £25

2011-05-25T00:03:00.004+01:00

Would you like to help us choose which play to put on next? We'd love to hear your views about what you'd like to see in the future.

Following the popularity of our production of Hi-de-Hi, GDS wants to put on another show that people in the area want to see. We’ve put together a quick and easy questionnaire to help us choose, and anyone filling it in will be entered into a draw to win £25 of high street vouchers. It doesn’t matter whether you go to the theatre regularly or have never set foot in one. Tell us what you’d like to see and enter our prize draw.

If you leave us your contact details, we'll enter you into a draw to win £25 of High Street vouchers as our thank you! The competition closes on Friday 10th June.

Take our Online Survey

Journal rounds up the 'daftest and fastest'

2011-05-20T18:25:00.000+01:00

The Grantham Journal have rounded up the winners of our spaghetti eating and silly face contests in a large feature in this week's paper. On the Journal's website you can also see their video of the spaghetti eating challenge in full flow!
VIDEO: Forks at the ready! Catch all the action from the spaghetti-eating competition in Grantham - News - Grantham Journal

Click here for more spaghetti photos from the Journal

As featured on BBC1's 'The One Show': GDS' production of Hi-de-Hi!

2011-05-16T00:51:00.002+01:00

Yes, you did read that correctly! Grantham Dramatic Society's production of Hi-de-Hi was featured in Friday 13th May's edition of popular BBC1 programme 'The One Show'.

'The One Show' attracts around 5 million viewers, and included GDS in the Rippon's Britain section, fronted by Angela Rippon. Angela played the famous xylophone jingle and even delivered the classic line "Hello campers! Hi-de-Hi" in a Welsh accent, before mentioning our partnership with the Grantham Journal. The spot also featured a clip from our Summer Holiday video and showed our very own Yellowcoats dancing at the Guildhall.

Check it out below:

Our competitions in the Journal have included a silly face contest, plus a spaghetti eating competition. There is still time to enter the Mr or Ms Universe competition with it's closing date being on Friday 20th May.

Catch our competition in the Journal!

2011-05-05T23:46:00.001+01:00

Over the next few weeks you'll be seeing a series of competitions in the Grantham Journal, created by GDS in partnership with the Journal team. All competitions are inspired by the original contests and activities mentioned in the Hi-de-Hi script! They'll be great fun to take part in, so grab a copy of the Journal each Friday for details of how to take part!

Check us out on the cover of the Citizen this week, too!

We thank the Journal and our other partners for their support.

Moobo
Cafe Leo
Feelgood Fitness

GDS presents latest video for Hi-de-Hi!

2011-05-02T16:22:00.000+01:00

GDS have created a new video to promote Hi-de-Hi, on at the Guildhall from 25 to 28 May. The video is inspired by 1950s summer holidays, so there was only one way to go... It was great fun to shoot, and features an affectionate tribute to Cliff Richard! Look out for stunning special effects (!), an irate Park Keeper and Yellowcoats dancing in public places. Enjoy!

GDS to Stage Revealing New Show!

2011-03-04T01:01:00.002Z

Grantham Dramatic Society announces that their autumn 2012 production will be the hugely popular 'Calendar Girls'. The new play, based on the hit film starring Helen Mirren, is being released to amateurs for a limited time only from September next year, and Grantham Dramatic Society will be performing it at the Guildhall Arts Centre.

Chair of the Dramatic Society, Vicky Williamson, commented: "We've been waiting for this show to be available for amateurs for years. It's been a huge success as a touring production with some really big names starring over the last few years. As soon as the opportunity came up, we jumped at the chance." Based on a true story, the play follows a WI group's attempts to raise money for their local hospital by creating a nude calendar. "We're going to have so much fun with this," continued Ms Williamson. "Although it sounds revealing, the action is more suggestive than anything, and the story overall is heart-warming and moving."

The show will be performed at the Guildhall Arts Centre from 7th to 10th November 2012. Anyone interested in taking part in this show, or any other aspect of the Society, is invited to contact info@granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk.

Tickets are currently on sale for GDS' latest production, Hi-de-Hi. The classic holiday-camp comedy will be at the Guildhall from 25th to 28th May this year; for more information visit the show website at http://www.hidehi-gds.co.uk/. Tickets from the Guildhall on 01476 406158 or http://www.guildhallartscentre.com/

Open Casting!

2010-12-20T23:02:00.006Z

UPDATE: Hi-de-Hi has now been cast, but there is still time to get involved with the production backstage or in other aspects of the show. Get in touch!

If you'd like to get involved in GDS' next production, Hi-de-Hi, now is the perfect time to get in touch. We are holding open readings for this show, which promises to be great fun. Our shows are cast through readings (we sit down and read the play out loud) which is much more relaxed and less stressful than a formal audition. This show has a cast of 17! That includes some small roles that might be ideal if you'd like to build your confidence. If you wish to be considered for a part, or for a backstage role that requires you to be there during the performance (eg stage manager), you must be available between 22-28 May 2011 (and preferably the week before too).

If you would like to be on stage, or get stuck in backstage or in any aspect of the production, drop us a line or come to one of our events.

10th January 2011, 7.30pm at the Green Room
Open night: Open to all. Join us to find out more about who we are and what we do. A great introduction to the society.

13th January 2011, 7.30pm at the Green Room
First reading of Hi-de-Hi: Open reading of the play. You won't be asked to stand up and do an audition, we just read the play through, giving you a chance to see what it's all about. You can get involved or just listen.

20th January 2011, 7.30pm at the Green Room
Second reading: Another open reading of the play.

Other ways to get involved...

We also need people to volunteer to help us deliver a top quality production. We are particularly keen to hear from Graphic Designers and promotions volunteers.

Weather Update - It's warm in the Guildhall!

2010-12-01T17:20:00.000Z

In case any of you were wondering, we are (snow) ploughing ahead with our performances this week. It'll take more than a dusting of snow to keep us away from the stage! Opening night is tonight, and we can't wait to share the show with you.

Remember, it's nice and warm in the Guildhall, so come and see us!

New Videos for Wanted - One Body!

2010-11-09T23:47:00.002Z

Take a look at our video, below, created to promote Wanted - One Body! We have produced a video to go along with the stage shows for a few years, which you can enjoy in the GDS TV section at the right. This one is a spoof of Time Warp from Rocky Horror Picture Show, which has a lot of similarities with Wanted - One Body! Creepy characters and an atmospheric country house location abound!

This was filmed at Harlaxton Manor with the generous co-operation of The University of Evansville. We also created a trailer (which more closely reflects the actual performance!) which you can see below.

Wanted - One Body will be on at the Guildhall from 1st to 4th December, and we're offering a special discounted rate for groups. Take £1 off every ticket for groups of 8 or more. We hope you'll have as much fun watching the show as we have had in rehearsals!

Wanted and Found: One Suit of Armour!

2010-11-01T19:37:00.000Z

Following an intensive search and coverage in The Grantham Journal, Grantham Dramatic Society have successfully found a suit of armour for 'Wanted - One Body!'

Help came from an unexpected source: a medieval re-enactment society! Paul Spence, a member of 'Lord Burgh's Retinue', has generously offered to lend us his fifteenth-century replica suit of armour. Mr Spence commented: "I'm more than happy to lend my reproduction armour for Grantham Dramatic Society's play. We are always glad to help out worthy causes like this."

Vicky Williamson, Grantham Dramatic Society's Chairperson, said: "Paul Spence's help has made a huge difference to the production and we can't wait to get into the theatre to see the armour on stage. It will make a real impact!"

As described on their website, http://www.lordburghsretinue.co.uk/, the Retinue is dedicated to the accurate recreation of prominent Lincolnshire historical figure Sir Thomas Burgh's retinue and household. The group promote knowledge and interest in the Burgh family and its homes at The Medieval Manor House in Gainsborough, and other associated sites such as Lincoln Castle, demonstrating many varied and exciting aspects of life in 15th century England.

The comedy whodunnit 'Wanted - One Body' will be performed at the Guildhall Arts Centre from 1st to 4th December.

Fancy having a go at writing?

2010-09-21T13:44:00.000+01:00

Well then here is your chance!

We are running a small script writing competition open to all, so get your creative juices flowing.

All you need to do is come up with a five minute sketch, type it up and send it by Friday 15th October to Vicky Williamson at chairman@granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk.

Everyone likes a comedy but any topic is open, and there will be a small prize for the winner!

We'll read your offerings and decide on our favourite, then we'll make plans to stage your sketch at our Christmas cheers social on 14^th December at 7.30pm