For those who aren’t familiar with TWODS can you give us a brief history of the society?
It’s one of the oldest amateur theatre groups in the country. Formed in 1889 as the Tunbridge Wells Dramatic and Musical Society, our first production was of two plays: A Blighted Being and My Preserver, which were performed on a stage built by the actors themselves at the gymnasium on Calverley Road. A large variety of straight plays followed at The Great Hall whilst the Tunbridge Wells Operatic Society, formed in 1890, began staging more musical shows at that same venue. The groups merged in 1911 and have performed almost every year, with the exception of the two World War years and the Covid pandemic!
And now can you bring us right up to date by telling us what you’re putting on next?
We have a versatile and tremendously talented membership, and after so long in lockdown we wanted to showcase as many of their skills as possible! So, after being away from the theatre for almost two years, we decided what better way to return to the stage than with Destination Anywhere – a compilation of the best the world of musical theatre has to offer!
What is the cast looking forward to most about getting back on stage?
After multiple lockdowns and restrictions, we are all desperate to escape to a destination anywhere outside the limits we have been living with. Be it a much-needed holiday, a road trip, a personal journey or simply just to escape to your own wonderland. Our inspiring – and award-winning – Director, Adele Ebbage (who has been a member of TWODS herself for over 28 years), has compiled a show which takes us on a magical musical journey, packing in over 30 destinations and 40 shows.
What did you miss most about performing live?
There were so many things to miss. The thrill, excitement and anticipation of waiting to go on stage on the first night. The joy of entertaining an audience with a show we’ve been rehearsing for months and hearing their applause at the end. The friendships, camaraderie and memories made on and off stage throughout the show can last a lifetime, and we’ve all missed that so much over the last two years!
Can you give us a sneek peek of what this new show will comprise of?
It features both classic and contemporary show tunes, as well as a whole host of exciting dance routines. The musical travelogue includes numbers from over 40 different West End musicals including The Producers, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Shrek, Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Copacabana, Footloose, Hairspray, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wicked, Six, Come from Away, Miss Saigon and Our House. It’s definitely set to provide that escapism we’ve all been craving! You can’t beat performing to a live audience.
And how does it feel to be all together again and performing for an audience?
It’s a feeling that only your fellow performers will understand. We are so grateful to our loyal audiences and hope that they come back to support us, as I know the cast has been working so hard to bring this show to fruition.
What do you think the audience will enjoy most about seeing Destination Anywhere?
The show is fast paced, upbeat and uplifting, with something for everyone. Despite TWODS huge back catalogue, there are numbers from 38 shows that we have never performed before which is very exciting.
Sum up the show in three words if you can… Travel, Adventure, Joy.
And lastly, if any of our readers would like to join what do they need to do? Go onto our website TWODS.org or come along to one of our new members’ evenings to find out what it’s all about. We always need new recruits – especially men. And it’s important to stress that you don’t have to be a performer to make an amazing contribution. Perhaps you’d like to help front of house selling programmes, working backstage making props or costumes, or learning new skills as a stagehand? There are many roles to enjoy either side of the curtain.
To purchase tickets for Destination Anywhere, on at the Assembly Hall from November 24 – 27, please visit twods.org or call the Assembly Hall Theatre box office on 01892 530613.
