Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society Presents

It’s Never Too Late

Welfare Hall Garforth

19th to 22nd November 2008   7.30pm

Sixty Years Young!

The History of GADS

The Society was formed sixty years ago in the Autumn of 1947 by a group of 27 people from Garforth and the surrounding area who called the group Garforth and District Theodorian Society, a name that was later changed to Garforth and District Amateur Dramatic Society. The initial annual subscription was 5/-.

It was intended to produce a pantomime, which had been written by a local author but due to various problems it was abandoned and Dear Octopus by Dodie Smith was the first production performed at St Mary’s Hall. The tickets were 2/- and 1/6 on Thursday and Friday and 2/6 and 2/- on Saturday. Booking was essential as the hall was quite small.

In 1952 there were 32 members at the AGM and there was also a junior section to encourage youngsters to tread the boards, and a very enthusiastic Social Committee who organised a wide range of events.

As St Mary’s became too small to accommodate the audiences the productions were moved to the Miners Welfare Hall in 1955, but about 1970 the hall was closed for refurbishment and the society temporarily moved to the Comprehensive School (Garforth Community College). Bi-annual productions have been at the Miners Welfare Hall ever since.

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Recent Productions

The White Cliffs

Still celebrating their sixty years of amateur theatre this Society chose a play set around the time it was founded. It was good to see that a lot of thought had gone into costumes and hairstyles and, along with the set and props, you got a real feeling of the 1940s. There were some strong character performances in this quite wordy play and the two ladies in the final scene are to be congratulated on keeping the audience enthralled. Garforth ADS is still managing to attract new members and, if this continues, I am sure they will carry on for many years to come.

Anybody For Murder

By Martyn.

The last production – Anybody For Murder – was another success, with lots of positive comments and a total audience figure of well over three hundred, maintaining the upward trend which we’ve seen over the past two or three years. Various factors have contributed to this but I think the main one is our continuing reputation for producing good quality entertainment, which is what it’s all about.  Mike’s impressive stage construction drew deserved applause on more than one occasion, and he was kept busy with running repairs as most of the cast seemed unable to remember which way the doors opened!  Also worthy of mention was his heroism on the Friday night, in restraining his excitement at Leeds’ last minute winner against Preston until the curtain closed!

Cash On Delivery

 - Noda Review

“There is always a warm welcome at Garforth and it is good to see that they are still getting full houses for their plays. This was a very complicated comedy and how the cast followed it filled me with admiration.  Their dialogue never faltered even though it must have been difficult remembering which character they were playing.  The cast had been directed well and the comedy moves were timed to perfection and much appreciated by the audience.  After the play an appeal was made for more members, especially for men, a cry that I have heard more than once just lately.  I do hope that they had a good response to this appeal.”

Sponsorship

if you would like to sponsor us then call our Secretary Lorraine Leonard-Parsk on

        01977 557217

or click here to email us.

Dates for your Diary

Our Next Production

will be performed Nov 19th to 22nd November 2008. The name of the play is the comedy ‘It’s Never Too Late’ by Ron Aldridge.

The question asked is 'What happens when your husband leaves you for a younger woman?'  How do you kick-start your life when you have never had to work? How do you cope with the realization that time is not on your side? 

Susan finds herself in exactly this position.  She has run the  home, brought up her daughter and had a very busy life involved with charities,village hall committees etc.  Fellow committee members offer all kinds of advice..........." think of yourself, resurrect an old flame, get a job, get a toy-boy......"

Susan decides to take action, and this very funny and at times tender play follows Susan as she attempts a new start in life in the belief  that "It's never too late".

Tickets will be on sale at the Bookshop or from any  member of the Society at a cost of £5.00,  concessions £3.00.

Autumn Jumble Sale

Welfare Hall on 25th October from 10.30am Admission free