CHARDSTOCK AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY WELCOMES YOU

A conversation took place between two Chardstock villagers, Philip Strawbridge and Mary Hazell. Philip had helped build the Chardstock Community Hall in the 1970s, he commented that it was a shame that no one, but the WI, had ever put on a play or pantomime in the hall which was one of the reasons for its construction. Mary was interested in amateur dramatics and decided to do something about it. She sought advice from Fred Clarkson who had been involved with amateur dramatics in Yorkshire where he had previously lived.
A first meeting was advertised and 30 likeminded souls attended!
The first pantomime was ALADDIN in February 1990, the stage was makeshift and built the week before the performance! SUCCESS the community loved it! And that's how CADS was born!
More plays, pantomimes and variety nights followed, each on the makeshift stage, until, December 1994 when the brand new permanent stage was christened! The Community Hall was extended with a new kitchen, committee room, toilets, entrance and cloakrooms, allowing a stage to be built across one end of the main hall with a green room/youth club room in the area behind.
With a permanent stage CADS have continued to perform for the entertainment of the community for the past 30+ years. We hope we are true to the vision of those first two villagers!