21st September 2008 - Members of the Society's Graduate Section joined the Customs House Concert Orchestra at an impromptu one night concert at Park View Community Theatre this evening. The Concert Orchestra, conducted by George Hastings were meant to be performing at a venue in Lanchester, however when this fell through, Park View were approached and agreed to step in late in the day.

The concert featured a first half of instrumental music, from TV and Movie themes like "The Avengers" and "The Bond Theme", to medleys of Bert Bacherach, and stage shows like "Phantom of the Opera" and was followed by a second half featuring some vocal numbers. These were performed by Jennifer Hastings, daughter of George,  Catherine Dryden, Richard Rolfe and Bindy Baker, whose father and Society President, Colin Baker narrated the show. Other members of the Graduate Section joined Catherine and Richard in performing "Please Don't Tell Me" from "A Slice of Saturday Night" and "Bring on Tomorrow" from "Fame".

It was Colin Baker's first opportunity to see members of the Society performing, and he was happy to pose for photos with members after the show.

Colin Baker with members of the Graduate Section

October 1st 2008 - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Reg Williams at the age of 78 years

Reg has been a member of the Society for many years, joining for our production of "The Ghost Train" in 1995 though he had been appearing on stage with other societies for many years prior to this. Since joining the Society Reg has appeared in most of the Senior productions and though never taking lead roles contented himself with the ever important minor roles often difficult to fill. Reg was well known for his knowledge and reading, a literate man whose intellect sadly did not extend to comedy, for he was also well known for telling the most awful jokes!!

Born in Leith, Reg was proud of his Scottish background and also of his service in the RAF. He had been a widower for many years.

1st September 2008 - The last week-end of August saw the culmination of two weeks of hard work by the newest section of our Society. The Graduate Section's inaugural production of "A Slice of Saturday Night" was a new venture for the society, with the entire production, from rehearsal, set design and build, lighting and sound all being completed in two weeks. And the finished product directed jointly by our first ever graduate, Nick White along with Julie Dryden didn't disappoint. Performed in "cabaret" style, in keeping with the theme of the show, this Sixties pastiche kept the audiences royally entertained from start to finish.

Concept proven, what's next guys?

14th July 2008 - The Junior Section's production of "Oliver!" saw the Graduation of three stalwarts of the group, Tom Mayne, Stevie Lawton and Catherine Dryden, all of whom left the Junior stage with memorable and powerful performances. Tom performed in what was undoubtedly his finest role for the Juniors, thrilling the audiences with his portrayal of "Bill Sykes". Stevie was equally impressive with a charismatic depiction of "Fagin" and both were complimented beautifully by Catherine who added to her ever increasing repertoire of parts with an emotionally stirring performance as the ill-fated "Nancy".

Following the Saturday evening performance all three were presented with their NODA certificates and Catherine was to become the latest recipient of the Bell Award. Although this may a farewell to the Junior Section for the three friends, their absence from the stage together is destined to be short lived as they move on to the inaugural production of the Graduate Section, " A Slice of Saturday Night" in late August.

19th March 2008 - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Graham Clark after a long illness.

Graham has been a member of the society since May 2000 and our production of "The Amorous Ambassador" though his stage experience went back much further. Both he and his wife, Esther appeared in shows in the following years until ill health forced him to retire from performing, a great loss to the society, both as an actor and as a much loved and admired friend.

The Junior Section's production of "Bring on Tomorrow" will be dedicated to Graham's memory being performed on Easter Sunday, March 23rd 2008, what would have been Graham's 45th Birthday.

Graham leaves a wife, Esther and three young children, Ewan, Charlie and Imogen. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.

9th March 2008 - The Society held its Annual General Meeting at the Community Centre, following a brief Extraordinary General Meeting to approve the updated Society Constitution. The AGM saw some changes in the line up of our Committee. June Donald is the new Secretary, with Jean Martin concentrating on Booking Secretary responsibilities. Steve Harvey takes over as Publicity Secretary for the Junior Section and Andrew Coapes returns to General Committee responsibilities as Gary Blackbird stands aside.

The big result from the meeting was the establishment of the Graduate Section. Nick White, our oldest "Junior" gave a presentation to those assembled outlining his vision of what the new section will look like and hope to achieve. 22 former Junior members have expressed an interest in retuning to the stage, meeting up with old friends and performing in a "summer school" type format. Many of the young people involved are studying at University or working away and can not meet the rehearsal schedule of the Seniors, so the two week rehearse and perform schedule in the last 2 weeks of August was an ideal option. The Graduate Section's inaugural production will be "A Slice of Saturday Night". (click here for more information)

27th January 2008 - The Junior Section has been disappointed to hear that there have been some unforeseen problems with the proposed productions for 2008. Owing to circumstances outside the control of the society, we have had to postpone both the scheduled Gala Theatre Concert, "Bring On Tomorrow"  and our production of the new musical "A Matter of Time".

There will be a concert held on March 23rd as planned however this will now be held at our normal venue of Park View Theatre, but sadly the cast will not have the Customs House Concert Orchestra to perform with. The Gala Concert with the C.H.C.O. will, it is hoped go ahead later in the year and negotiations are under way with the Gala Theatre and the Orchestra to arrange a suitable date.

Similarly the production of "A Matter of Time" will now be moved to the summer of 2009, and in its place for 2008 the Juniors will be performing the much loved and popular show "Oliver!"

8th December 2007 - A group of the Juniors braved the first snowy weather of the year to perform some seasonal songs for customers at the Chester-le-Street branch of TESCOS. Shoppers were entertained with four 20 minute sets with a mix of traditional Christmas Carols to popular standards such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Rocking Around The Christmas Tree" and drew considerable attention from TESCOS staff and public alike. Never one to miss an opportunity, our Junior Publicity Secretary, June Donald spent her time handing out flyers for the Juniors next production, "Bring on Tomorrow" at the Gala Theatre in Durham as well as providing strategically placed buckets for passers-by to make any donations they wished.

1st December 2007 - The Junior Section's pantomime this year had a more turbulent production than most. Unusually for the Juniors the show's development was beset with one or two cast changes and with the later than traditional date for the Summer show, "West Side Story" meant less time than usual for rehearsals. Despite the rocky ride the Juniors once again did us proud, with a thoroughly lively and enjoyable production, full of life and energy. Playing to full houses, audiences were royally entertained.

Following the Saturday evening performance, Stevie Lawton was principal in the honourees when he became the fourth recipient of  the Bell Award. Also honoured were Adam Donald and Philip Martin, graduating from the group after 6 and 10 years respectively, both of whom were presented with NODA certificates.

The Society are very proud and honoured to announce that the actor Colin Baker has graciously agreed to become the Group President. Colin is perhaps best known as the sixth incarnation of TV's "Dr Who", but has also appeared in many other TV, Film and Stage productions.

Colin is currently working in conjunction with our good friend, and musical conductor for West Side Story and Les Miserables, George Hastings on an original High School Musical production, which our Junior Section will perform the World Premiere of in 2008.

A full biography of Colin's career is posted in our Officials Section and on his personal website at www.colinbakeronline.com

14th July 2007 - The Junior Sections production of "West Side Story" concluded with awards being presented to 6 graduating members.  Leading the group was David Stoker, crowning his six and a half years with the group with a magnificent performance as "Tony". In recognition of his achievements over the years, David was chosen as the latest recipient of the John and Dorothy Bell Award.

Also joining David in our growing list of Alumni were his sister, Andrea Stoker, with 6 years, Kate Cramond, 4 years, Daniel Stabler, 5 years,  Lisa Short 3 years and lastly but by no means least, Elizabeth Loughlin, graduating after 11 years with the group.

Although no longer part of the Junior Section, the six are looking forward to performing with the group in the future in their graduate status.

We wish them well for the future.

3rd May 2007 - The Senior Section are currently rehearsing for their upcoming production of "Sin Sex and the CIA", written by American Playwright and Society Favourite, Michael Parker and his wife Susan. The Seniors have performed a number of Micheal's other works, namely "Hotbed Hotel", "The Lone Star Love Potion" and "The Amorous Ambassador" and are planning to perform another next year, "Whose in Bed with the Butler". The plays, all, as one may discern from the titles, are Comedy Farces and hugely popular with our audiences. The Society have been informed that our production of "Sin Sex and the CIA" will be the first production of this show in the UK, either professional or amateur.

10th April 2007 - Junior Society Members, David Stoker and Richard Rolfe were two of the 8000 hopefuls who auditioned to take part in BBC TV's "Any Dream Will Do" programme, a competition to find a leading actor for the West End production of "Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat".

The friends attended auditions in Manchester, and David was called to final auditions in London, one of only 100 to reach this stage. Sadly David did not make it on to the show but it was a tremendous achievement to reach this stage and it does mean that both David and Rick are free to take roles in the Juniors production of  "West Side Story".

Well Done to both of them, it's the West Ends loss.

9th March 2007 - Members past and present enjoyed a spectacular evening event on Friday 9th March 2007 as the Society celebrated it's 25th Anniversary. The Anniversary Ball was held at Durham County Cricket Ground and was attended by some 130 plus, who were treated to a event to remember.

Contributing to the entertainment were friends of the Society, tribute band "The Shadowcasters", who brought back fond memories of the society's production of "Summer Holiday" . Members and Graduates of the Junior Section performed "Bring On Tomorrow" from "Fame the Musical".  To celebrate the Diamond and Emerald Wedding Anniversaries of her grandparents, Catherine Dryden was joined by David Stoker in performing a number from the Juniors next production, "West Side Story".

All current and former members of the society were present with medals commemorating the 25 years, and incidentally, the meal was pretty good too.......

Just as the Juniors get into the swing of rehearsals for "West Side Story", the cast and members were thrilled and honoured to receive a signed photograph and letter from Actor George Chakiris, "Bernardo" in the Hollywood Film of the Musical.

Click here to see the letter and photograph sent by Mr Chakiris

25th November 2006 - Dorothy Bell, recently retired NODA representative and her husband John, were present on the Saturday evening performance of "Jack and the Beanstalk" to present their Achievement Award to its second recipient. The John and Dorothy Bell Award is to be awarded twice yearly in recognition of achievement and excellence in Theatrical Arts by a young person chosen by Dorothy and John themselves. On this occasion the worthy recipient was Elizabeth Loughlin.

Elizabeth first came to note playing a spider in "Cinderella" in 1998, but has blossomed since then, taking on roles in "Frankenstein - the Pantomime" as the swatty schoolgirl, as "Miss Belle" in "Fame" and as "Fairy Sugardust" in "Jack and the Beanstalk" . But Elizabeth's passion and exceptional talent lies in Dance, and she has taken on the role firstly of Dance Captain, and more recently Choreographer to the group, devising many of the unique and spectacular routines seen in our recent shows, notably the "Bohemian Rhapsody" finale to "Pinocchio" and the many routines in "Jack and the Beanstalk" whilst also performing in a principal role. 

1st October 2006 - It is not without considerable relief and joy that the Society membership were able to be joined by our Chairman Bill Stephenson at our Juniors production of "Jack and the Beanstalk". Clearly still not fully restored to health following his recent illness, nevertheless Bill was present at all the performances, even participating as the booming voice of "The Giant". Bill expressed his thanks for the thoughts, prayers and best wishes from his innumerable friends over this troubling time and how much these had aided his recovery thus far.

As a founding member of the Society, Bill's personality and enthusiasm for theatre is ingrained in the Society, even to have missed just one show would have had a marked effect. We all wish him a speedy return to full health.

Society Members, Peter Cumiskey and Reece Sibbald have each been chosen to play roles in productions later in the year.

Peter, seen in November 2005 as "Pinocchio" has been cast in the part of "Curly" one of the Lost Boys in the professional production of "Peter Pan" being performed in Durham's Gala Theatre from Wednesday 6th December 2006 until Sunday 7th January 2007.

Following an approach from another local amateur group, Chester le Street Amateur Operatic Society, enquiring after suitable candidates, Reece has been cast in the part of the "Artful Dodger" in their production of "Oliver. Performances run from 7th to 11th November 2006.

We wish both boys every success with their ventures and hope they have a lot of fun into the bargain, but we are sure both will play an important part in our own production of "Jack and the Beanstalk"

10th June 2006 - Also presented with awards following the final production of "Les Miserables - School Edition" were graduating members Paul Loughlin and Helen Dryden.

Helen is to date, the Junior Section's longest serving member, having been performing with us for 12 years. Rising from chorus performer to "Blue Fairy" in "Pinocchio", she crowned her achievements with the Society's Juniors with a wonderful performance as "Madame Thenardier". Helen is not leaving the Society however, having recently qualified as a Hair Stylist she is to become our Principal Hair Designer. Helen's award was presented by NODA's Fred Pigford.

Paul has been with the Society for 10 years, and in that time we have seen him grow from shy 8 year old to a confident young man willing and capable of taking on principal roles. He has quite a portfolio under his belt as he leaves us, from cynophobic vampire in "Frankenstein -the Pantomime" to cocky "Steve" in "Summer Holiday". But he too has excelled as the lovelorn "Marius" in "Les Mis". Paul is hoping to begin studies at University in September reading Geography. Paul's award was presented by newly elected NODA representative, Pauline Swann.

25th June 2006 - Young David Robson took part in the Tesco Great Coastal Run. The 11 year old member of the Society covered the 2.8 km distance in a highly commendable time of about 15 minutes, and raised £100 in sponsorship. The charitable youngster kindly donated his well earned cash to the Theatre Group. We all applaud his achievement and generosity.

10th June 2006 - Recently retired NODA Representative, Dorothy Bell presented Adam Donald with his award following the final performance of the Junior Sections highly acclaimed production of "Les Miserables - School Edition". Dorothy served as the NODA representative for our region for 25 years. Upon her retirement she and her husband John wanted to mark their commitment to Youth Theatre in particular, by presenting an award bearing their name to a member of a local amateur society in recognition of achievement and excellence. The award will be presented biannually and the chosen recipient will be selected by Dorothy and John themselves.

Adam was a worthy winner of the inaugural presentation of the award. Not only did he portray "Thenardier" in "Les Mis" but understudied the part of "Javert". At rehearsals he was frequently seen switching from role to role. But Adam received his award not just for his performance in this show, but also in recognition of his performances in previous Junior Section productions and, notably for his dedication and commitment in all aspects of theatre work, being prepared to clear up after rehearsals, move scenery, all the unsung work that someone has to do, and which Adam does without  complaint.