HISTORY

“Can you sing?” was the first question Guilsborough GP John Hughes asked his patients back in 1971 when he decided that he wanted to stage “The Mikado” in the village. Dr Hughes assembled a cast of over 40 and so began Guilsborough and District Choral Society. He went on to direct most of the Gilbert & Sullivan and Rogers & Hammerstein repertoire over the next 15 years at Guilsborough School. So determined was Dr Hughes that the show must go on that when a production was threatened by a flu epidemic he arrived at rehearsal with his bag and instructed everyone to roll up their sleeves for a jab! 

Award winners

Several cast members from “The Mikado” are still with the group which evolved to become Guilsborough Music & Drama Society in 1994 when it moved to the village hall.  GMADS has broadened its scope to plays, comedies, reviews, pantos, theme evenings – several written by members. Along the way it has won awards for “Hay Fever” by Noel Coward and “Seasons Greetings” by Alan Ayckbourn to name but a few. 

So what sets GMADS apart from other village groups? Firstly, it’s the quality of each and every production. So many people in the audience for the first time have been surprised by the professionalism of the performance. Director Pam Townsend was one of the founder members of the group and the awards are a tribute to her enthusiasm and commitment to ensuring every production is the best it can possibly be.

Secondly, it’s a very friendly group attracting members from surrounding towns and villages, not just Guilsborough. New members have commented on how warmly they have been welcomed and how supportive everyone is. And of course, not everyone wants to act. There’s a dedicated team backstage helping with sound, lighting, scenery as well as front of house. And the group likes to give back to the community by making numerous donations over the years to local charities.

What’s next?

So what does Pam look for when she is choosing a production? “It’s got to be something that will appeal to both audience and actors. I also like to give a challenge to the set designer Roger Brandon-Jones whose skill and imagination is endless –producing Spanish galleons, country scenes complete with a real garden, a flowing brook and revolving stages.”