01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Newtown dramatics society to host 90th anniversary shows
Newtown Amateur Dramatic Society was formed in 1934 and put on its first play – The Barrett's of Wimpole Street – early the following year.
Ninety years later, the society is still going strong and entertaining the people of Newtown and beyond with regular dramatic performances at its own Powys Theatre in Canal Road.
During its long and proud history, the society has faced and survived everything from a World War to the Covid epidemic and has shared over 240 plays and other entertainments with its audiences.
Initially, these were performed at local venues such as St David's Church hall, the old Victoria Theatre and village halls throughout the area until, in 1969, after immense planning and hard work the society achieved its long-term aim of acquiring a permanent home and its very own theatre.
To celebrate the epic milestone of its 90th anniversary, the society is mounting a unique event in July to which everyone will be very welcome.
Conceived and written by Peter and Julia Francis and involving many members of the society, it will aim to both entertain and inform.
The multi-media production is to involve music, projected photographs, narration and extracts from plays which the society has performed during the 90 years of its existence.
Preparation has involved making use of local newspaper reports, the memories of members past and present as well as the society's vast archive of programmes, posters and photographs, not to mention minutes of meetings and financial accounts.
Alongside all of this and open to all members of the audience will be an exhibition in the theatre foyer of costumes and memorabilia reflecting the highlights and memories of ninety years 'treading the boards'.
The special event will take place at the Powys Theatre on Thursday, July 10 and Friday, July 11 at 7.30pm with a matinee performance at 2.30pm on Saturday, July 12.
Tickets will be available from
