Stewarton Drama Group will continue its 50th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday, August 16 with an open evening.

It is open to those over 18 in the local area who are interested in any aspect of drama or theatre arts.

On the night, there will be an opportunity to chat to group members, browse the photo gallery, and see a slide show of group highlights.

The group hopes to recruit new members and new patrons as it continues to build back after the challenging years of the pandemic.

Throughout that period, it maintained momentum by performing monologues and short comedy sketches on Zoom to local audiences, moving on to performing short plays in its own small theatre in Stewarton, to invited audiences of patrons and friends. 

Last season saw the group go from strength to strength with two sell out performances of ‘The Devil His Due’ in October 2022, four sell out performances of ‘Potted Pantos’ in January 2023, culminating in its long awaited return to the larger performance space of the Stewarton Area Centre in June 2023 with an acclaimed production of ‘Two Cracking Comedies’.

With the support of audiences and local businesses, the group also raised a whopping £1,200 for The Ayrshire Hospice.

The group is excited to continue building up their activities, keeping quality local theatre alive and accessible in Stewarton.

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the group is delighted to announce that its first production of Season 2023-24 will be John Godber’s ‘Bouncers’ which will be staged in the Stewarton Area Centre on Thursday, October 26 Friday, October 27at 7.30pm.

Tickets priced at a flat rate of £9 are on sale now (and selling fast already) at www.ticketebo.co.uk/sdg.

The open evening in August will be a great opportunity to find about more about reading for a part in future productions, or taking on any of the many jobs such as building scenery, painting the set, collecting props, operating lighting and sound, managing costumes, doing make-up - or just coming along to join in the fun.

Drama group president for season 2023-24, Dee Maccoll, said: "Stewarton Drama Group has connected very well with the local community over its 50 year span. Now more than ever, we value those connections and the friendships we’ve forged over the years.

"We are lucky to have our own small theatre in Corsehillbank Street, as well access to the larger theatre in Stewarton’s Area Centre. This has given us flexibility in planning our varied programmes. We have also built up a remarkable store of sets, costumes and props - not to mention experience in all aspects of the theatre. 

“So, with all this to share, we’d love to meet you if you’re interested in participating. Please don’t hesitate - come along and meet us at our informal open evening on Wednesday, August 16 in our premises in Corsehillbank Street, Stewarton, next to the tennis courts.

“If you’d like more information please email us at stewartondramagroup@hotmail.co.uk or visit our website at www.stewartondramagroup.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stewartondramagroup.”