Longsdon Amateur Dramatic Society celebrates its 60th Anniversary

Party Photographs

L.A.D.S. was founded on 1st October 1945 at a meeting held in Longsdon Church Room for the purpose of forming a village Dramatic Society. Initially the idea was to arrange dramatic evenings at Longsdon Memorial Hall specifically for residents of Longsdon Parish. The first production in 1946 was ‘The Man from Toronto ’, followed by ‘Forced Landing’ in the same year. In April 1960 the Society extended its membership to individuals living beyond the Parish of Longsdon. This has enabled the Society to develop into a very successful organisation with a nucleus of very talented actors/actresses from within the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Since its foundation there have been up to three productions every year. 2005 has been no exception with ‘Table Manners’ by Alan Ayckbourn in March  and ‘Love,Lies Lust and Loneliness’ as part of the Leek Arts Festival in May. The Society has also been awarded the accolade of Staffordshire Moorlands Arts Group of the Year 2005 at the annual Awards Evening in March. The 60th Anniversary production  will be  a classic costume drama, Moliere's ‘Tartuffe’, adapted in English for modern audiences by Christopher Hampton. Although set in 17th Century France the theme of deception is just as relevant in 21st Century Britain. This will take place at Longsdon Memorial Hall from 16th to 19th November.

To mark the achievement of 60 years continuous productions a celebration party is to take place at Longsdon Memorial Hall on Saturday 1st October. The present Committee, together with Life Members Betty Simpson and Dorothy Hansell, have tried to contact anyone involved in any past production. There has been a great response and ex-members are travelling from various parts of the country  to take part. Unfortunately it has been impossible to locate everyone so if there is anyone who has not been contacted and is interested in coming along to the event please give the secretary a ring on 01538 373212. This is also the number to ring for more information on the next production.