YOUR NEWS – Centenary Book Proves a Hit with Shoutouts
Sudbury Dramatic Society’s video push is winning formula and hits all the right notes.
By PAUL JOHNSON
One of the highlights of our new daily shoutout initiative was the publication of Sudbury Dramatic Society’s book and promotional video which, in 2021, marks the group’s first hundred years.
With planned celebrations somewhat curtailed, due to the pandemic, SDS is delighted to announce the publication of the book; Sudbury Dramatic Society – The First 100 Years, by Sara Knight, with Liz Cole.
The book has its origins in an extensive society archive kept on the backstairs landing at The Quay Theatre. It is full of photographs as well as the results of interviews with past and present members.
SDS is responsible for converting the Quay Theatre building in the late 1970s from a riverside warehouse to a bona fide theatre which, these days, operates as a separate charity, hosting professional and amateur companies, as well live streaming and films.
The society was formed from a base at the Victoria Hall in Prince St. and also performed in the Gainsborough Theatre (now the Infinity Nightclub), fundraised for St Leonard’s Hospital before the advent of the NHS and performed for World War I soldiers convalescing at Belle Vue House.
Sara Knight is the current Chair of Sudbury Dramatic Society and Liz Cole is a longstanding member and a member of the Quay Theatre Board. She is also the granddaughter of SDS founder member and local artist Paul Earee. Liz had been researching her own history of drama in Sudbury, and it is her notes that form the ‘Introduction’ to the book and have contributed to the first chapter.
SDS is a still major contributor to The Quay Theatre contributing in the region of £50k annually. Productions have been on tour and fundraising in locations as exotic as Westwood Park, Great Maplestead and Spain.
Author Sara Knight says: “this is absorbing local history whether you are a member of Society Dramatic Society or not, which we hope will inspire you to support or contribute to the society as it moves forward into the next 100 years.”
The book has been published with the aid of grants from Sudbury Freeman’s Trust, and Councillor Jack Owen.
Sudbury Dramatic Society – The First 100 Years is available initially via www.sudburydramatic.com for £12.99.