Twyford Drama is celebrating its 60th anniversary with an open day and also a ‘sparkling cocktail of song, dance and drama’ for audiences seated in cabaret style.
First is the open day and theatre tour on September 6, 5.30pm to 7pm at Loddon Hall, Twyford. This is where they prepare for and perform their plays.
Visitors will be able to go on stage and behind the scenes and members will be sharing their stories about the group. They’ll also explain how visitors can take part in their 2026 panto Aladdin.
There are chances to act, sing, play an instrument, and also to help with sound production, set building, costumes, props, back stage work and social events.
Sixty years ago Twyford stalwart Sybil Stephenson gathered friends to stage a comedy, Quiet Wedding, in the United Reformed Church Hall, Twyford.
This led to the creation of Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group.
Since then they’ve performed pantos from Dragon’s Egg to Cinderella; comedy including Noises O7 and ‘Allo ‘Allo; and murder mysteries including Rope and Time to Kill. Among the dramas were Lady Windermere’s Fan and the recent Blithe Spirit. Playwrights ranged from Shakespeare to Terry Pratchett.
Their production in October will be Diamond Gems. They will decorate the hall, transforming it into a cabaret-style layout with tables for four to six people. Tickets will include entertainment, refreshments and a souvenir programme.
Their play-writing group’s five diamond-themed short plays will be performed, along with well-known drama and musical items of song and dance. There will be live music and an MC.
Experienced member Jocelyn Robinson, organising the overall programme of performances, and director of one of the plays, says: “A large number of local people will be pulling out all the stops to bring to you a show to remember – a sparkling cocktail of song, dance and drama.
Performances will be on October 10 at 8pm and on October 11 at 2pm, a matinee with tea and cakes, and at 8pm. For tickets visit www.twyforddrama.co.uk or telephone 0118 328 2825.
Sign up for the tour by visiting https://www.twyforddrama.co.uk/event-details/open-day-and-theatre-tour-3
