The Society was formed in 1915 as a result of a concert party organised during the First World War, and was originally known as the West Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society. The Society expanded and in 1917 became known as the Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society. Within two years the Society’s success and increased membership made it necessary to move from the original Clarke’s College in London Road to more commodious premises at Elm Hall. In 1922, after many sleepless nights and committee meetings, LODS decided to take the ambitious move to the Ambassador’s Theatre in Tylers Avenue, opening with Gilbert & Sullivan’s 'The Gondoliers'. In 1932 a move to the first-class facilities at the Southend Hippodrome led to the production of 'The New Moon' in 1934. That magnificent show was generally acknowledged as the finest amateur production ever given in the town and created a sensation upon its initial performance. The advent of the 'talkies' necessitated a move to the New Palace Theatre, then back to the Ambassador\’s in 1936, but returning again to the Palace in 1938. Over the Second World War the Society had to scale down its productions but continued on by regularly giving first-rate revue type entertainment to the troops around the county. The first post-war production was 'Wild Violets' at the Palace in 1946. Ours is a record of which we feel justly proud. We have presented shows ranging from grand opera to the avant-garde (including three world amateur premieres) as well as countless entertainments for charitable organisations. Today LODS continues this tradition, always ready to take a risk in order to offer something new, something exciting, but above all something entertaining. Contact committee2@lods.co.uk
Based near Southend on Sea in Essex, Leigh Orpheus is a friendly choir aiming to bring the joy of singing as a performer to men in the area. We also aim to bring the joy of listening to as many people as possible. We perform concerts locally and further afield and each year go on tour, sometimes in the UK and sometimes abroad. The choir has enjoyed successful concerts at the Cliffs Pavilion with Alfie Boe, Lee Mead, The Kings' Singers and most recently in January 2016 when we performed with three other male voice choirs. Many of our performances are fund-raisers for mainly local charities. If you are interested in singing with us by all means come along and see if you like what you hear and would consider joining us – there is no obligation. We rehearse on Friday evenings from 7:30 at the Salvation Army Temple, London Rd, Hadleigh. Or come and see us in concert. Dates are on our website. Contact: info@lomvc.org
Fairkytes Art Centre, Hornchurch, Barking And Dagenham
We are a Hornchurch based Theatre Company With a variety of musical talent and spectacle from our members, our shows are produced to an extremely high standard. Contact: info@LimelightTC.com
We offer all members the following levels of innovation: To participate in Lightnin’ productions and presentations of drama, music and dance at venues from theatres to school halls. Develop their skills as actors through training and continuously growing confidence. Help to direct and choreograph. Discover new abilities through role plays and improvisation. Learn about costume, set design, stage management, lighting and sound systems. Pursue academic routes in performing arts. Box Office 01708 522245
Lindisfarne Players
    
Southend-on-Sea
Lindisfarne is always looking for new faces, so if you’re interested in any aspect of the company - acting, directing, stage-managing or set design - come and get involved! Email the chairman at enigmaenterprises@blueyonder.co.uk
The Company was formed in 1948 by a dozen or so enthusiasts, most of whom had some experience on the amateur stage, and was originally called The Little Theatre Club. The original intention was to present shows in a modest way for charities, but within a few months it was learned that, owing to a cancelled booking, it was possible to hire the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, for a week. And so, in December 1949 the first LTC production was staged 'No No Nanette'. Since then, the company has presented 107 musicals and 33 plays. We have records of over 1000 members, many of whom have gone on to pursue a professional career in theatre and entertainment: these include our Patron, Gemma Craven, Mark Cotgrove (aka Snowboy) and Lee Mead. Always keen to try new things over the years, we have presented 3 UK amateur premieres plus numerous regional ones, and in the process we have won 12 NODA awards. We’re always looking for new members. So whether your forte lies on stage, backstage or even making costumes, there surely isn’t a better way to make so many friends and most of all have fun! If you would like to be part of the Little Theatre Company, please contact our membership secretary membership@littletheatrecompany.co.uk
Come and join us! We are always on the lookout for new members. There are any number of activities in which you can get involved even if you don't fancy actually treading the boards. - Acting - Musicians, especially piano, keyboards, guitar - Stage management and backstage help - Make up - Costumes - Front of House - Publicity - Prompt - Producer - Director - Props - General Assistant and dogsbody - Do nothing but like to come along and watch (beware that's how we all started off!) Email: contact@lwdg.org
LADS was formed was formed on 6th January 1924. It's founders wished to establish a "village society" with the aim of presenting plays with 'genuine dramatic worth'. Eighty-five years later, the LADS are still going strong. Loughton can no longer truly be described as a 'village' but one thing has remained constant - that original aspiration of 'genuine dramatic worth'. LADS has about 60 members of all ages. We perform and rehearse at Lopping Hall, conveniently situated in Loughton High Road, just a few minutes walk from Loughton tube station. We produce four plays a year, ranging from classics by Shakespeare, Shaw and Arthur Miller through favourites such as When We are Married, Rebecca and Hobson\’s Choice to the latest contemporary drama. The LADS are proud of our reputation for presenting plays fresh onto the amateur circuit and so we always keep an eye on potential new releases. We were one of the first amateur companies to produce The Madness of George III, Steel Magnolias, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Amy\’s View and Proof .Why not join LADS? We're always pleased to welcome new people. Or perhaps you'd just like to come along to one of our events. For more details concerning membership, please contact our Chairman, lads.chairman@gmail.com
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO APPEAR ON STAGE ?... COME AND JOIN IN THE FUN!!! Loughton Operatic Society continues to seek and welcome new members, whether it be to perform on stage, assist with backstage, front-of-house or administrative duties, or as supporters joining as Associate Members. INTERESTED ??? IF SO.... ring our Membership secretary at LOS@jollygoodshow.co.uk for more information regarding membership
If you have talent and really want to get to the top, pick up the phone or click on the keyboard today! It will be the best five minutes you have ever spent. info@makebelievegroup.co.uk
Potter Street Community Centre, 96 Potter Street, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9AQ
Makin' Steps is Harlows premier performing Arts School. Classes in hip hop/street dance, ballet, modern, tap, musical theatre, singing & acting. Contact: info@makin-steps.co.uk
Maldon Drama Group meet every Wednesday evening at 8pm in the Conference Room at Maldon Town Hall. Whether you fancy being on stage or behind the scenes, no previous experience is necessary – all you need is enthusiasm and an enjoyment of Theatre. A good sense of humour also helps. If interested then please come along any Weds evening to see us or drop us an email at info@maldondrama.org.uk if you have any further questions. We usually present two full length plays a year (Spring and Autumn) with often a smaller scale production in the Summer. We are members of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) and the North Essex Theatre Guild.
men2sing is a vibrant, contemporary choir, who love to perform songs that cross many different styles of music. Our friendly and fun group has an “Open Arms” philosophy, so we embrace and support singers with all levels of experience. Our members come from all walks of life, but share a mutual love of music and a desire to perform songs to the best of our ability. Social events are also a vital element of our success, and help us to forge great friendships We perform regularly through the year on behalf of charities, for community groups and also at private functions Come along to one of our rehearsals on a Monday or Friday, 8.30pm at the South Woodham Ferrers Village Hall, CM3 5PL Or contact us
We are a fun loving drama group based on Mersea Island. Our talented group of leaders all specialise in different areas of the performing arts, which gives our members the best opportunity to learn as much as possible. We encourage all aspects of theatre, from dancing, singing and acting, to set and costume design and construction, sound and lighting and working backstage. Our members also get involved with song selection, choreography, direction and advertising, giving them a real idea of exactly what goes into putting on a show. Every year we perform in our very own musical spectacular and also perform with our adult section in the annual pantomime.
We meet every Wednesday at The MICA Centre at 6-7:30pm where we rehearse for our upcoming shows. We currently have a waiting list, but if you would like to be added to this please contact us via our website
We are an entirely voluntary, not-for-profit drama club with a splendid history, a tradition of innovation, and we welcome anyone willing to perform, assist with staging and technical, or front of house. Most of us do a bit of everything. We are part of the Mark Hall & Netteswell Community Association and have been since around 1953. Our permanent base has everything we need - we get the seating rake, scenery and lights out one week-end and pack it all away on the following Saturday night. In between we act, and go for a curry. There might possibly be a drop of wine about after we strike the show. There is a decent bar as well. The Social Club is easy (and cheap) to join. Our space is superbly flexible. We can work on stage or in the round or on the floor. Audience can be high or low or sitting at table. We can put scenery everywhere or nowhere. We have total artistic independence - and we use it. New plays, interesting plays, new translations all feature. Our contacts lead us to wander abroad - as far as NSW, Bohemia and the Alps over the past 15 years. If you like the concept - come to a show, or better still come and introduce yourself at one of our social nights, held the first Wednesday of every month at Moot House Social Club. Box Office (01279) 639170 New members are always welcome - as performers, backstage crew, front of house, technicians or general helpers. Contact via our website or social media
A brand new and unique X-perience for all Musical Theatre performers aged Launching with our eagerly anticipated Musical Theatre Competition; Acting Through Song Acting Through Dance Acting Through Text Production - The Triple Threat Performance Age 5 to 21yrs