introduction

We are a small, friendly society based in Highworth, which is a market town in the north-eastern corner of the county of Wiltshire, England. We put a show together appoximately every six months, and these cover a good range - our previous productions have included farces, pantomimes, thrillers, variety shows and comedies. We are a very sociable bunch: we work hard during our rehearsals but can often be found in the local pub afterwards - and our after-show parties are usually something to remember (hazily)! We would welcome new members to strengthen both our onstage and backstage crews. So if you are reading this as a newcomer to HADS and think you might like to take up a challenging but very rewarding past-time, please contact us, or any of the members mentioned in this website. If you feel a little shy about going on stage in front of huge (!) crowds, we should mention that there are many other ways that you can contribute to HADS: set-building, helping out in front of house, reading for people who can't attend a rehearsal, and so on. No experience is necessary - all we want is your enthusiasm!

Latest News

Wizard of Oz Colouring Competition

There is a colouring competition in the Library to win family tickets (2 adults, 2 children)to the Saturday matinee show, age groups 4-8 and 9-12. One wall of the library has been beautifully transformed into the story of Oz by a talented artist called 'Ed', who is a member of the local jobclub run by HCPG. Please pop along and see this wonderful work of art and encourage your children to have a colour.

Posted by: SANDRA On: 28-01-2010
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Membership Fees

2010 Membership fees are now due. As fees have remained the same for a long period of time, and to cover our insurance costs, it has been agreed that fees will rise to £15 for adults and £7.50 for students. Membership fees can be paid to the Treasurer or Membership Secretary on rehearsal nights and should be paid by the AGM which is March 1st 2010. If there are any problems please do not hesitate to contact one of us.

Posted by: SANDRA On: 28-01-2010
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February 2010 - Panto

February production - The Wizard of OZ by Adrian Barradell

The panto season is here and HADS will be performing a version of the Wizard of OZ written by Adrian Barradell.
The story starts with a tornado which sends the farmhouse occupied by Dorothy Gale on an impromptu flight to the land of Oz, where she encounters Munchins, fairies,a scarecrow, a tin man and a lion in her quest to find the Wizard of Oz and return to her home in Kansas and right in the middle is a talent show hosted by Simon Trowel!! As usual with the HADS panto there will be lots of fun and lots of audience interaction. The venue is as usual Warneford School Hall on 19/20 February 2010. Tickets can be obtained at various venues round Highworth. I look forward to seeing you there.
Maureen Penny, Chairman HADS

Posted by: MAUREEN On: 21-11-2009
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October Production - TRIVIAL PURSUITS BY FRANK VICKERY

A summer evening's barbeque is the setting for a meeting of the leading lights of the Operatic Society. They meet at director Nick and his wife, Roz's home to hear what their next production will be. Whilst waiting for one remaining member to arrive they play a game of Trivial Pursuits. As the evening wears on everyone has far too much to drink and some members try to influence Nick's choice of the new production - by all sorts of devious means. Derek cannot get used to his impending divorce. Deidre, his soon to be ex-wife, arrives with a new man - television addict Eddie. Nick is having an affair with Jessica. Joyce, a once talented actress, is an alcoholic. Teddy is alternately sweet and strident. There are many mishaps including a barbecue that won't light and paraffin is poured on with it disasterous results. After all the bickering what will the next production be??

The complex relationships between players emerge as moments of pure slapstick and farce alternate with ones full of real drama and pathos.

Date: Friday October 30 and Saturday October 31
Venue: St Michaels Hall

Click Here for more information.

Posted by: MAUREEN On: 17-09-2009
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Information On Mystery Train

Information on the Mystery Train event is now uploaded!
Click Here for the details.

Posted by: BEN On: 31-08-2009
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