Two brilliant but markedly different one-act plays influenced by the Great British rail network.

The first, Still Life, is the Noel Coward drama that became the framework of the much-loved film Brief Encounter.

The second, more modern thriller with a psychological twist, dark themes and strong language, is Train, written by Sean Colledge who is also directing both plays.

Performances come hot on the heels of DD’s sell-out run of Arsenic and Old Lace, so early booking is recommended.

You can see both plays at Broadmayne village hall (DT2 8EW) on Saturday, April 20 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and at St Mary’s Community Hall, Edward Rd, Dorchester on Saturday, April 27 at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 plus booking fee are available from the link on the website

Fresh from the success of Arsenic and Old Lace, Dorchester Drama is now revving up for the next production – a two one-act plays to be staged in April.

One play, The Train, has been written by DD member Seán Colledge and the other is being chosen this week and there will be readings of both at Goldies in High East Street, Dorchester at 7.30pm on Monday and Wednesday, Jan 15 and 17.

All are welcome, so come along, join in, say hello, have a drink, and see what we get up to during the coldest darkest months.

Wow.

Three sell-out performances for a truly smashing show and that’s not just the techies’ verdict.

Huge thanks for all the support from Dorchester Arts and all the people who have made this production possible.

And especially thanks to all the playgoers that turned up to watch plus all the great feedback after. We’re glad that you all enjoyed watching it as much as we did performing.

Even Mortimer Brewster had to write a glowing review for this one.

Watch this space for what’s going on next year. More murder mysteries, some one acts and works written by local authors.

It is with sadness that we pass on the news that Di Richards has passed away.

Di was a long standing member and supporter of Dorchester Drama, as well as playing a large role in past Community plays. She will be missed by all her friends and our thoughts go out to her family.

We’ve cast Arsenic and Old Lace, so we’ll be cracking into rehearsals.

Performances are on the 24th & 25th November 2023 (+ Matinee on the Saturday) at the Corn Exchange Dorchester. Tickets are available from Dorchester Arts Centre through their website or contacting them direct on 01305 266926

https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2023/08/01/fri-24-sat-25-arsenic-and-old-lace-dorchester-drama/

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

Reminder to all, We’re holding our AGM on the 30th August at the Dorset Youth Association Hall (Lubbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL), 7pm.

The AGM is open to anyone, members, friends and all. There will be some business to sort out first (voting on the committee for the next year etc) which will be followed by some entertaining skits and general chatter.

We would ask anyone attending to bring along a sharing plate of nibbles and suchlike and something to drink as well.

see you all there,

Ribbit.

Just a quick amendment.
The venue for the 23rd August is now Goldies (36 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HN).
This means we can have a social drink as well, though if you are already familiar wtih the play, you might just want to make sure whos serving……

Looking ahead to our next production, we’ll be having a reading of “Arsenic and Old Lace” at 7:30pm 23rd August, Goldies (36 High E St, Dorchester DT1 1HN)

This is not an audition, but if you are interested in being in it (on November 24th, 25th at Corn Exchange, Dorchester), it’s a good chance to check out the characters and meet some of the committee and Ollie, our director for this one.

So if we’ve been telling you to keep an eye out on the website and social media for the chance to come along, meet us and find out what we do, this will be one of those chances. There is no pressure to read or even audition later, if you don’t want to.

Also our AGM is scheduled for the 30th August at the Dorset Youth Association Hall (Lubbecke Way, Dorchester DT1 1QL), evening time to be confirmed.

The AGM is open to anyone, members, friends and all. There will be some business to sort out first (voting on the committee for the next year etc) which will be followed by some entertaining skits and general chatter.

We would ask anyone attending to bring along a sharing plate of nibbles and suchlike and something to drink as well.

See you all soon.

We bid a fond Farewell to Gordon, Margaret, Joyce and Bernard , wishing all the best for their new cabaret careers.

Following a very enjoyable four performances across two venues, congratulations go out to all the cast, techies and director. A huge thanks also to the FoH volunteers that helped run things smoothly.

Plans are already underway for our November production at the Corn Exchange on Dorchester.

Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring, a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

Keep an eye on facebook and the website for details.