Willie Beech is evacuated to a tiny English village in the country just before the outbreak of World War II. A lonely and deprived child, he finds himself living with the reclusive, gruff old widower, Thomas Oakley. Although the two find it hard to adjust to their life together at first, they gradually develop a strong, mutual bond. Willie begins to enjoy life and make new friends in the village.

However, everything is thrown into confusion when Willie is suddenly recalled to London by his neglectful and abusive mother. After several weeks with no letter from Willie, Tom Oakley becomes concerned for his welfare and sets out to London in search of him.

This superbly written and deeply moving tale, shows that even the most unlikely people can become exceptional parents.

CADS next production will be One Man Two Guvnors, our read through will be 20th June and auditions on 23rd June at the Albert Edward Hall Community Centre

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from the dad of his fiancee. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who has been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers.

Holed up at The Cricketers Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be reunited with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

CADS is very proud to announce that, at the NODA Awards Lunch, we were awarded the Best Drama Production for our area ( District 11) for our production of ‘Brassed Off’ in November 2021. The Director, Brenda White-Robinson, and Charlotte Root, who played Gloria in the play, were there to receive the award. So congratulations to all concerned- cast, crew and Tendring Brass Band – for this success. CADS also won an award for Best Programme, for which congratulations go to our Chairman, Ralph White-Robinson, who also was there to receive the award.

Hazel Hole, our district NODA representative, also said how much she enjoyed our March production of ‘Round the Houses’.

CADS belong to NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) which was founded in 1899 and is the main representative body for amateur theatre in the UK, supporting local groups like ours in a number of different ways to achieve the highest standard of production. NODA operates through 11 regional councils and CADS, who have been a member for many years, is in the Eastern region.

Some people may think that amateur dramatics is no longer the driving force it used to be in theatre and as such is somewhat outdated, but that is far from the case. Here in the East, NODA has over 280 members competing to be the best and the "friendly" competition makes sure we are kept on our toes as each year we strive to win our own local "awards".

We are pleased to report, amateur theatre is most definitely alive and well and flourishing in East Anglia!!

01255 432307,
brendawhiterobinson@hotmail.co.uk

SET-BUILDING

We are very lucky at CADS to have a wonderful team of set – builders led by set designer Terry White. However we would welcome new recruits. If you can wield a paintbrush, screwdriver or saw, and can come along on a Thursday evening, you would be made most welcome.

TECHNICAL CREW

We are still looking for volunteers to train at the West Cliff Theatre in Lighting, Sound and Stage Management, so that CADS can provide its own Tech Crew for our plays.

If you are interested, please contact us here.