Can you tell me something about the group?

We are a non-professional (NODA award winning!) theatre group, based in the Balham area. The group's been going since 1987 and we have a membership of about 50, mainly in the 20s to 40s age range, although our oldest member is in his eighties!

We perform a wide range of shows from serious dramas, both classic and contemporary, through musicals, the odd pantomime and comedies. There are three shows a year: mid February, late May and late October. For what’s going on now see Current Production.

Where do you perform?

We currently perform our main shows in the Drama Studio of Chestnut Grove School, Balham, SW12. In addition there are some smaller productions such as rehearsed readings, cabarets etc, which are usually members-only events performed for one night at St Luke’s Church Hall, Balham.

Where/when do you rehearse?

We normally rehearse on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, at various venues within walking distance of Balham tube station. The rehearsal period for our main shows is 12 weeks, although the actual number of rehearsals will depend on the role and type of show.

How do I join?

There are no auditions to join. People usually become members by being involved in a production, either as cast or crew. We run open auditions and regularly cast newcomers.

We usually audition in late February for the summer show in May, early August for the autumn show in October, and in early November for the spring show in February. Auditions are advertised on the website a few weeks in advance.

How much does it cost to join?

Subs are £50 p/a (£25 unwaged), payable 1 April each year and pro-rata'd if you join mid way through the year.

I’m more interested in helping backstage/with the technical side of things, rather than acting

Members can be involved in any aspect of staging a production from directing, through acting and stage management, to the more technical areas such as lighting and sound, making costumes and props, and building the set. There are also the peripheral areas of publicity and Front of House (serving the drinks!) during show week.

Is it a friendly group?

The group is very friendly and all members are encouraged to take part as they wish in any of the above areas, regardless of experience. This means that, even if you're not actually acting, you can still be involved in the production. Apart from the shows, there is a very good social scene, with regular members' events (theatre trips of course, incl. the Globe, a summer BarBQ and Xmas party, and concert trips to Kenwood or Marble Hill, etc) Also, rehearsals often end with a quick drink in the local pub!

Can I get tickets for the next show?

Details of the shows are usually available on the website two or three weeks beforehand. You can buy tickets through the website or, if you live in the Balham area, keep an eye out for our posters, which will have the box office number on them.