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HUCKNALL DRAMATIC SOCIETY in 1986
President: Mrs Hilda Smith - Plumtree
Secretary: Mrs Elizabeth Fitzpatrick - Annesley
Vice President: Mr Keith Williams - Hucknall
In 1968 David Henty, a school teacher, arrived in Hucknall and, having looked unsuccessfully for a local drama group, formed one. The first production, financed with borrowed money, was a pantomime "Cinderella" which started something that has become an annual event in the area with about 2,000 people attending the performances over a period of 8 days. Pantomimes have made the group financially viable.
We have also produced four Old Tyme Music Halls in the past 7 years and have toured with these to hospitals, old people's homes and miners' welfare Christmas parties.
The facilities provided in the Church Hall by the Hucknall Parish Church Council are invaluable and over' the years the Society has improved these by converting the loft for storage, building a lighting booth, equipping the Hall with a modern lighting system and providing new stage curtains.
Some of our achievements are the premiere of a play "Famous One Morning" about the life of Lord Byron by Lady Isobel Butterfield. The award of the Belper Cup for encouragement, the lively chats we have had with Robin Bailey who was an original founder member, and who continues as our Honorary Patron. The award of Best Actor to a member of our Junior Section in the NANDA Junior Festival. The Group has a thriving Junior Section for children 10 years and upwards.
Recent productions include:
1985
Pantomime - "Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves"
"The Widowing of Mr Olroyd"
1986
Pantomime - "The Snow Queen"
"Angels in Love"