- The Methodist Church
- The Square
- Dunstable
- Beds
- LU6 3SN
The Square Drama Circle
| Welcome to the Square Drama Circle 1976 - 2023 Celebrating For general information For Box Office, see the individual |
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| 21/22/23 March 2024 Pantomime Sadly, due to circumstances beyond our control, we have had to cancel our pantomime. |
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"The Golden Days" A brand new musical with original story, music and lyrics by Christopher Burrett Doors open for pre-show at 7pm, main show starts 7:30pm Standard tickets £12 (plus booking fee): 0333 666 3366 ticketsource.co.uk/thegoldendays We are delighted to announce that West End's Claire Moore (photo) will be joining our show! Claire Moore is a renowned West End singer and actress. She was cast as the alternate Christine Daaé in the original cast of The Phantom of the Opera, taking on the role full-time after a year. Claire originated the role of Ellen in the original West End cast of Miss Saigon and has played both Fantine and Madame Thenardier in the West End production of Les Misérables. Claire also originated the role of Chris in the Calendar Girls musical, for which she was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress. Claire worked as a vocal coach on the BBC TV talent shows I’d Do Anything and Over the Rainbow. Outside of musical theatre, Claire has appeared in numerous National Theatre productions including The Duchess of Malfi, The Critic, and London Road. Recently, Claire starred in the world premiere of the Great British Bake Off the Musical. We are delighted to have Claire joining us for our project. Show creator Chris Burrett has written a new set of original songs for Claire to perform. Claire will be performing on all three show dates as part of the pre-show, which begins at 7pm. She will also return to entertain you all in the interval. |
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| 23rd/24th/25th March 2023
Our rather belated Panto! The Princess and the Pea Written by Andrew Potter Thursday 23rd March 7:30pm Adults £7 Box Office 01582 527459 Read reviews from Ivor Mitchelmore, and from Nova Horley from N.O.D.A., and the following from Andrew Potter, the author of the panto: Friday night was a laugh from start to finish. From new performers to seasoned players, everyone (every single one of them) threw themselves into the roles with gusto. The sets and props were fab, the lighting was super, and the costumes were perfect. The music complimented it all beautifully - it’s often overlooked but it’s so important, and well done to back stage and front of house too for making it all run so smoothly. The directors should be feeling pretty pleased with themselves. Great achievement.
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| 3 December 2022
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| 10/11/12 November 2022
Do you think you would make a good detective, and solve this murder mystery? Tickets £10 per person, maximum 6 per team. Jacket potato meal included Box Office: 01582 527459 |
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| July 2022
Join us as we revisit some of the performances we have enjoyed sharing with you since we formed more than 45 years ago! With scenes from a variety of shows, singing and dancing, it promises to be an entertaining evening for the whole family. Performances at 7.30pm on Thursday 7th, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th July at the Methodist Church Hall, Dunstable LU6 3SN Proceeds from the Thursday performance are going to Project WW Tickets £5. Box office 01582 662615
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| February 2022
On Thursday evening, Debbie and I joined most of our housegroup on a trip to the panto, which this year was Sleeping Beauty. I have always enjoyed the Square Drama Circle pantomimes, but this year's show was special. Perhaps it was because it has been so long since the last panto, due to Covid-19 restrictions, but every actor seemed at the top of their game. The whole cast was excellent, but two characters stood out for me in this year's show and they were Stephen Parry as Nurse Nelly Nutmeg, and new boy Ian Rogers as King Boris. Stephen is always a class act in whatever role he is playing and Debbie and I were impressed that he kept up that Scottish accent throughout the whole performance. Ian is just made for panto and had me laughing out loud on many occasions, right down to the last song. Speaking of songs, I was delighted that there were so many in this year's show, which is perhaps not surprising given the number of strong singers in the Square Drama Circle at the moment. I wonder whether they could stretch to a Gilbert and Sullivan performance - not so very different from pantomime! Anyway, congratulations on another excellent pantomime. Ivor J. Mitchelmore, 27th February 2022 2020 We are pleased to announce that our production of 'The Legend of Troy' Has been nominated for a 'Best Musical Production' Award to go forward to the N.O.D.A. East of England area Awards. We would like to thank everyone for their support. 2019 We are pleased to announce that one of our members won 'Best Comedy Character' Award. from 'N.O.D.A. East of England Area 3' 2018 We are pleased to announce that one of our members won 'Best Character Actress' Award. from 'N.O.D.A. East of England Area 3'
2018 We were very honored to receive THE 'COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR' AWARD For Dunstable and Houghton Regis. Thank you everyone. |
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22/23/25 November 2023
This is just to say that I enjoyed Square Drama Circle’s performance of “A Happy Event” by Richard Everett enormously last Friday night. The performance was quite excellent and would have done a West End theatre proud. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and made everyone in the audience laugh a great deal. I wish you all the very best with future performances and I will do all that I can to publicise your performances as I know that many local people would very much have enjoyed the performance too. I hope you have no empty seats in future performances. With very best wishes, Yours sincerely, Andrew Selous MP
A Murder is Announced
I cannot remember the last time I enjoyed myself so much at the theatre. Yes, at the theatre, because that is what the “school hall” at The Square Methodist Church was transformed into for the Drama Circle’s performance of Agatha Christie’s play. From the opening bars of my favourite TV version of Miss Marple, I was hooked. Tammy looked every bit the elegant lady of the manor and Vicky put on another superb performance as the dotty, slightly irritating Miss Bunny. When Bridget appeared as Miss Marple, it seemed as though the role had been made for her, and as Tammy said to me afterwards, “From now on, Mum IS Miss Marple!” There were strong performances all round and it amused me to see Graham Matthews “coming out of retirement” to play Inspector Craddock’s assistant (he is an ex-policeman). It was heart warming to see mother, father and daughter (Bridget, Malcolm and Tammy) holding the stage alone in some scenes, even if one of them was a murderer! I almost forgot to mention Sabina Jackson as Mitzi, the Hungarian Maid, whose performance was crucial to creating the tension on stage. As the play progressed, whenever she appeared on stage I found myself waiting for the next outburst. She was wholly credible in the role and maintained her Eastern European accent throughout the play.
One of my work colleagues came to see the play and brought a couple of friends along too. As usual in such situations, I was slightly apprehensive about whether they would enjoy an amateur performance and whether the play would run smoothly. I can only say how proud I felt, yet again, to be associated with the Square Drama Circle. Thank you for a delightful evening.
Ivor J. Mitchelmore
P.S. Debbie enjoyed it too!
Review by Nova Horley
Representative of
‘The National Operatic and Dramatic Association’
THE SQUARE DRAMA CIRCLE The Square Methodist Church, Dunstable
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 15th October 2016
Director: Rob Tabone Choir Master: Judy Smithers
Conductor & Band Leader: Chris Burrett
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is always a good ensemble piece, and this production benefitted from the simplicity of the direction. The church lent itself well to the piece, I enjoyed the ambience created.
I was impressed by the quality of the sound emitted by the cast from a small Society not used to performing musicals, and the accompaniment from Any Note Will Do gave good backing. Lighting effects were nicely achieved.
I liked the overtures, they were lively and created the right atmosphere. However, I thought it was a shame that the cast and junior choir came on so early at the start of Act 1 – as they had to stand for a long time.
The simplicity of the backdrop was good, with the choir using the upstairs pews, and the Narrators occasionally using the organ loft creating a good dimensional aspect for the audience, and it also spread the sound well.
Costumes were good, they depicted the right feel for the parts.
I was very impressed with the two Narrators, Tammy Calvert and Hannah Mitchelmore, they sang extremely well, and their voices blended nicely – they also interacted well with the cast, encouraging them to give us loads of energy. Their dresses were very striking too.
Chris Fletcher created a good character as Joseph and sang the part well, although his nerves showed at times, but that said he tackled Close Every Door very well. I enjoyed him arriving, not in a chariot but on an electric scooter, an innovative thought.
Stephen Parry was a forceful Potiphar, reacting well to Donna Fletcher’s scheming Mrs Potiphar. Stephen brought his character strength into his number too.
The children’s choir sang really well, and I liked them being brought on stage by the Narrators for Close Every Door. There were some lovely smiley faces there, and as a group they performed and behaved really well throughout.
Malcolm Calvert was a very concerned father as Jacob, with the brothers and the wives all forming a good group. I was particularly impressed by Kieran Pritchard as Benjamin, he created a good character.
I thought Ivor Mitchelmore as the Baker sang very well.
I loved the look of Steve Loczy, as an Elvis version of Pharaoh, he looked the part and sang it extremely well, showing the full power and range of his voice.
It was lovely to be able to celebrate 40 years of Square Drama, with Bridget and Malcolm Calvert at the helm. Long may it continue.
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening, and this production was the best I’ve seen Square Drama do. Very well done to everyone concerned.
We were established in 1976 with our first production ‘The Patient in 4B’, a murder mystery with a twist in the tale, and we have been going strong ever since, putting on a number of plays and pantomimes throughout the years.
King Arthur and the Knights of The Round Table.
The 'Farndale Ladies'
The End of our Sponsored Walk
Singing at Woburn Abbey
We are always glad to welcome new members.
We meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at the Square Methodist Church Hall from 8pm to 10pm.
Whatever your talents there is a job for you – acting, music, directing, producing, stage crew or scenery painting to name just a few!
If you are interested in joining then please contact:
Jean Smy (Chairperson) 01582 662615