We are a friendly, village drama group based in Upham, Hampshire, between Winchester and Fareham. Members are from both the village and the surrounding area, including Fair Oak, Bishopstoke, Bishop's Waltham, Swanmore and Wickham.
We have existed since 1978, and perform a variety of theatre, from pantos and variety shows to serious plays.
New members are most welcome! Amateur dramatics offers plenty of opportunities to get involved, not just through acting, but backstage too - lighting, set design, props, sound, production, etc.
For the 2008/9 Pantomime season, we are staging an all new, epic version of Treasure Island written by our own Philip K. Smith. Featuring a mammoth cast of pirates, cannibals, hand-maidens, chimpanzees, underwater creatures and principles, this will be the most ambitious panto yet staged at Upham!
The dastardly Long John Silver has a treasure map to untold riches and, if it wasn't for the lack of an important piece of it and a decent cook for his ship, he'd have long ago collected it. Perhaps Captains Simon, Louis, Danni and Cheryl can organise some sort of cook's talent competition to find a replacement for the last one who met with an, err, unfortunate accident? Could this be Dame Hettie Hawkins' big chance at culinary fame?
Meanwhile, what does Mad Dan know about the treasure map? Who are the mysterious Doctor Watt and Nurse Rose who plan to smuggle themselves on board Silver's ship? Can brave Jack Hawkins save the day? And will Chief HooHooPaPa get a laugh from his name alone?
Find out 29th, 30th, 31st January 2009!
Six months later than originally intended, Night Must Fall hit the Millenium Village Hall running. The show was put back due to Lynda injuring herself in a fall from a horse and, ironically, ending up in a wheelchair as per her character, Mrs Bramson, but without the recourse of being able to sneak out of it when no-one was around!
Playing to good houses each night the play was well received and, for a non-comedy, still got a fair smattering of laughs though usually in the wrong place - Phil's entrance as Buttons, sorry, Dan getting the hat-trick (pun intended). Another notable was Gwyn's pronouncement that the deceased, wasn't interfered with which got delivered with ever more glee as the nights progressed.
In summary, a good time was had by all with commendations to Katie and Will who took joint honours for the Youth Shield, Katie for her turn as Dora the maid and Will for running both light and sound. Pictures and the Echo review from the show can be found here.
