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Short History of
Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society
The Society in various forms has been in existence from the 1850’s,
The earliest record found indicates it was formed by old pupils of the Grammar School and there is one record which indicates the boys gave entertainment in the Central Subscription Rooms to raise funds for a new schoolroom on 17th December 1857, which eventually opened in 1862. This still stands in St. Thomas Road although it has long since ceased to be a school.
In the Launceston Weekly News dated 21st May 1870 the following advertisement appeared:
“The Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society will give an entertainment in the Central Subscription Rooms on Wednesday and Thursday, 25th and 26th May 1870, under the patronage of the President, Vice Presidents and Council of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. A military band will be in attendance.”
The Central Subscription Rooms are now the Ballroom of the White Hart Hotel.
The report on the event in the next issue of the Weekly News states:
“There was a large attendance both evenings at the dramatic entertainment which ably got up and warmly praised.”
The following appeared on the 13th January 1870:
“Once a year this Society is in the habit of giving two performances for the benefit of some local institution and for the amusement of their friends and themselves. Their two performances were on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The proceeds of the entertainment will be devoted to building a new wall and entrance gate outside the Grammar School, at which the members of the society were all formerly pupils.”The Society has continued to give yearly performances since it inception and there are comprehensive records from the 1920’s with photographs, posters, programmes, adverts, press notices and general Society records the Society is undertaking further research to build a complete picture of events and to preserve documents.
During the 150 years the Society name has been:
Launceston Dramatic Society
Launceston Dramatic and Choral Society
Launceston Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
Launceston Amateur Dramatic and Musical Society
Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society
Except for a break in the war years (1915-1918 and 1942 to 1945) the Society, has continued to produce two to three productions each year and include a wide variety of plays, musicals, operas and pantomimes for local audiences.
All productions are entered for the Cornwall County Drama Festival and since its inception in 1964 over 40 awards have been won keeping Launceston as a major contributor to Drama in Cornwall.
The Drama Festival originated in Launceston and this continued for many years, but later moved to Falmouth.
A number of past members, some who have been members of the Societies Youth section have gone on the professional stage and appeared in popular TV programmes or found work in the many aspects of theatre.
The Society actively seeks adjudication from the Cornwall Drama Association for its performances. This takes the form of written comments on the actors’ interpretation of the part, set design, musical interpretation, costume etc. These reviews can be critical but are a useful guide to members in the continuous search for quality.
The Society leases a two storey building from the Town Council, at a modest rent and known as the Green Room (Old Borough Fire Station) and adjacent to the Town Hall the Society’s main performing venue.
LADS are a community group with three enthusiastic sections encouraging participation from all aspects of drama these are:
Starting Stars: for ages 7 to 11, a very active strong group involved in productions and learning the basic skills of drama. The group meets weekly working on a variety of projects and theatre skills.
LADS Youth Theatre Group: for ages 12 to 18, they are involved in their own productions, Society productions and taking part in competitive festivals. This group has been very successful at this level bringing back the trophy for Best Youth Performance and Best Actress on a number of occasions. The group meets weekly developing drama skills and rehearsals for productions.
The Society offers the youth in our community the opportunity to partake in all aspects of drama. Our Group Leaders work with young actors teaching them how to move, speak, take a cue, build a character and create a theatrical climax by working with fellow actors young and old.
The Senior Group: This section has won over the years many awards in the Cornwall Drama Association Festival of One and Three Act Plays and Musicals. The members meet weekly for play readings, drama workshops, personal development, rehearsals and social events.
The Society also has an active social programme with visits to other performances in the region and productions at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Workshops organised by the Cornwall Drama Group and North Cornwall Arts provide members with an insight to many aspects of theatre.
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