Henley-in-Arden Drama Society (HADS) celebrated their 70th anniversary with a showstopping performance at Arts4All festival
HENLEY in Arden Drama Society (HADS) celebrated their 70th anniversary year with another showstopping performance.
The group opened the Henley Arts4All festival’s fortnight of entertainment, which continues until 21st April, at the Guildhall on Saturday.
HADS chair Moss Westwood said: “We played to a packed house in a highly entertaining evening performing three short one-act comedic plays covering technological anxiety; midlife crisis; and the eternal bond of friendship between Miss Sophie (Pauline Gunton) and James the butler (Simon Macdonald), directed by Sheena Ison. This was followed by the hilarious, and in parts outrageous, Cabaret of Curiosities written and compered by Theo Theobald.”
HADS started in 1954 and has proved resilient, even through the testing times of Covid. They found their post-pandemic groove in December 2023 with a production of Cinderella, when Laurence Marshall, who organised Arts4All, and Theo co-directed the legendary community pantomime.
“We’ve had several successful performances since,” said Moss. “And we’re back to fighting fit and ready to carry on for many more decades yet.”
Recent efforts have seen HADS fundraising so they can celebrate the platinum anniversary in style. This includes a commemorative book with anecdotes and memories of members past and present. And just like Cinderella, HADS are inviting everyone to “the ball”, with a celebration evening on Saturday, 18th May. Tickets are limited so book in advance at hads.org.uk/buy tickets or contact HADS chair Moss Westwood on 07429 893234.
