History:
The society was founded in 1979, over 40 years ago. Early productions included ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘Good King Wenceslas’ and the first pantomime was ‘Cinderella’ in 1981, which raised money for Monecute School. During the 1980’s, winter pantomimes were produced alongside summer choruses and one act plays. Since the 1990’s the main emphasis of the society has been putting on an annual pantomime, sometimes traditional, such as ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, or something completely new, such as ‘Wonky Wellard the Wizard’ and ‘The Master of Toxcity’. Most have been written by existing members of the society, introducing up and coming script writers in the latter years. In 1996 the society won an achievement award for ‘Services to the Arts’ and other awards have been received from Dorset Pantomime Productions. One of the founding members of the society, Mally Tieche, has acted, directed, produced, written scripts and acted as chairman, was involved right up to 2010. Despite a blip in 2007, when it was decided not to put on a show, renewed enthusiasm coupled with new members has meant the society is now in a strong position and recent productions have been very well received thanks to Katie Bavington, who took over as director and chairman from 2010-2016. 2017 saw Mike Rustici take on the dual role of director and chairman before handing the directorial reigns over to Emma-Louise Pottinger for our 2018 production onward. A good number of other people working in specific and general areas ensures a ‘good’ show for our judges, the audience.
