2014-10

The Theatrical History
Those who worship at St Chad’s
will remember this year’s Palm
Sunday service when members
of the congregation produced a
service involving drama, music
and song. In the three sketches were
several former members of the St Chad’s
Dramatic Society, which folded in the
year 2000 after 54 years of existence.
There are at least two original members
still worshipping at the church, namely
Mary Diskin and Betty Ward.
Over the years the dramatic society put
on comedies, farces, and thrillers, as well
as pantomimes. One of the highlights
came in 1995 when the group put on
a revue Put That Light Out! to coincide
with the 50th anniversary of the end of
the Second World War. Members also
wrote and produced dramatic pieces for
inclusion in Sunday services.
The society, in its heyday, formed a
crucial part of the church, entertaining
with its productions, performing in
services and helping with fund-raising
activities. We had a reputation for
enjoying a great social life, as well as
taking the performances very seriously
– up to a point. We also did it for fun and
fellowship.
Productions were put on in the
Memorial Hall for many years but when
that was demolished, the society decided
to build a theatre in the body of the
church – with great success. So, for
every production, members, their families
and other volunteers would turn up
after the church service on the Sunday
preceding the week of the play, build a
stage, rehearse for a few days and then
perform Thursday to Saturday. Then,
following the Saturday performance, we
would pull it all down and enjoy a drink
and a fish supper, knowing that we would
be back at church in the morning, bleary
eyed but proud.
We know that we entertained the
audiences because feedback was
St Chad’s Dramatic Society’s very first production 1946 in the Memorial Hall
St Chad’s Church, Linden Avenue, Woodseats
Church Office: 9 Linden Avenue, Sheffield S8 0GA
Tel: (0114) 274 5086
Page 12
email: office@stchads.org
website: www.stchads.org