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HISTORY OF THE
INGLEWOOD DRAMATIC SOCIETY Inc.
(Extracts From The Booklet Published In 1975)
In June 1956 a public meeting to discuss the formation of a local dramatic group was called by Mrs Ava Somerfield. Those interested met at the Bank of New South Wales, and Ava was elected our first President by the following: Laddin Grant, Kath Cleary, Jessie Longbottom, Millie Jackson, Ngaire Young, Barbara Mantey, Marguerite Leech, Nancy Florey, Marie Earles, Jack Somerfield, Harry Florey, Muriel Croker, Connie Reeve, Ken Sigley, Bruce McMillen, Pat McMillen, Gwen Hill and Yvonne Brown.Apologies were received from Jill Shearer, Florinda Voitre, Jessie Brown, Ena Wilkinson, D’Aroy Jackson, Tilly Taylor, Max and Bruce Fenwick.Subscriptions were set at £1 double, 12/6 single and 2/6 junior. Mr Harry Florey inspected Mr Bernie Plumb’s condemned building with a view to its future use as clubrooms. Material for stage curtains was purchased for 6/11 per yard.
These modest beginnings, the ensuing one-act plays, readings and sketches – all performed with hilarious enthusiasm on a mad variety of stages – were reinforced by tutors, weekend schools, and the help of such eminent directors as the late Nola Millar. Ava’s energy and expertise, backed by solid experience in amateur dramatics, gradually built up the successful Society which is now the leader of Inglewood’s cultural life. The early committees, secretaries and treasurers did sterling service, and without their interest and unlimited support the Society couldn’t have survived those years in the 1950’s with no home and very little income. Their most impressive achievement was to put plays of excellent standard before public audiences at regular intervals right from the start, and to maintain this record throughout the early days of television, when many amateur societies died from lack of support. We proudly report that we never lost money on a play. This steady, consistent presentation of plays earned for us a faithful audience – some of whom have seen almost every production.
In 1962, after six happy, hard-working years, the decision was made to purchase the Inglewood Billiards Saloon for £700/-/-. Prime mover towards this major advance was Alan Stevenson, whose faith, foresight and brilliant planning resulted in the gem of a small theatre we possess today. Our theatre is valued at $60,000.00, and is an asset many much larger towns would like to own.
The building was let for storage while we consolidated our financial position and drew up plans. Work began in 1966 with a “10-year plan” and those who have been associated with the entire project find it difficult to believe that it is finally completed. To all those hundreds of well-wishers who gave us thousands of hours of voluntary labour during that time we can only say “thank you”.
To this day the Society produces entertainment of a high standard for all sections of the community, and more than fulfils the hopes of that first dedicated group of twenty-eight foundation members. Serious theatre, comedies and children’s plays are written, designed and directed in the best traditions of the Art.
As a Society we are respected and admired; as a group we have co-operated to build a worthwhile organization which involves a wide variety of people; as individuals we have gained life-long friends, an insight into other people’s problems, and that wonderful feeling of a challenge met and conquered.
Alan Stevenson presents Ava Somerfield with a cake to celebrate the opening of “The Cue” in 1975
Yvonne Brown and Alan Stevenson cut the cake at the 21st Birthday Celebrations of the Inglewood Dramatic Society in 1977 at ‘The Cue’
