Club History

Beginning in 1944 with two one-act plays, the club gained confidence and gave its first full-length play in the Town Hall in 1945. The next year saw us move to the Corner Theatre, which has long since given way to a commercial showroom. In 1949 we turned to the George Hall, where, in spite of the hard work - we had to build a stage before we could think about scenery, etc. - we can remember the heyday of this club. In those days, when TV sets had not penetrated every home, large audiences were a regular feature and on one occasion customers had to be turned away.

In 1960, we made our last move to Commemoration Hall, where, for the first time, we had a permanent stage, dressing rooms, canteen facilities and scenery accommodation.

The club has remained at the Commemoration Hall, with its excellent facilities, which over the years have been improved, modernised and re-furbished. During this time the Club has had its ups and downs but has remained part of life in Huntingdon.

With the growth of the town and the improvement in communications, the Club membership is far more fluid, with people coming to take part in a particular play they have always wanted to be in. This gives our audiences the opportunity to see a variety of people both on and off the stage.

In addition to full-length plays, the club has given numerous programmes of one-act plays and sketches at W.I. meetings, Over-60 parties and other worthy organisations. We have also taken our part at county level in "Shakespeare at the George", pageants etc.

Our involvement in other events has continued and includes taking part in One Act Play Festivals, Pageant 90 and our Christmas Show, which has been taken on the road to various locations around Huntingdon.

Other items of interest include:-

Richard James and Dean Laccohee performed 'I am Hamlet' and 'Vision Impaired'
both written by Richard James and performed in 2010. More here.

Photos from a dramatised reading of Bedroom Farce by Alan Ayckbourn & Christmas Dinner at the Black Bull in 2007 here.

Death Of Former Club President in 2007

Some of you will remember Ken Beaton, who has just died at the age of 93.

Ken and his wife Kyne, who survives him, regularly attended our performances,
and was our President for a number of years in the 1970s and 80s.

During this time Ken and Kyne hosted an annual strawberry tea in their garden
in Hartford, which was the social highlight of the year for the Club.

Those of us who were members at that time will remember Ken with affection and gratitude.

Other items of interest include:-

Death Of Former Club President in 2007

Huntingdon Drama Club