In April,2010,the Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society,(OHADS),a local amateur drama group of some 80 years standing, were privileged to present an evening dedicated to the genius of Tony Hancock, and his writers, Alan Simpson and Ray Galton, both of whom live locally. The production was completely sold out and it received consistently enthusiastic reviews. Indeed, the performance of "Hancock" received three nominations in last year's Richmond upon Thames "Swan Drama Awards", and Andy Smith received the "Best Actor" award for his portrayal of Tony. Alan and Ray were also kind enough to come along and see the production, and were very appreciative of OHADS's efforts.
As last time, the cast will perform six shows. These shows will consist of two studio "Half Hour" recreations of the classic radio series in the first half of the evening, followed by a fully dramatised show drawn from the TV series. This year, the two drama productions are the classic "The Lift" and " The Reunion Party". A very strong cast is in place, and again Andy Smith with be portraying Tony in "The Lift" and the "Reunion Party".
As the shows are being performed close to Christmas, two Christmas shows are to be performed, one of them being the relatively little known "Department Store Santa" half hour, which is a real gem.
The details are as follows:
Monday 12th December, Wednesday 14th December, Friday 16th December at 7.45 pm; and Saturday 16th December (matinee) at 2.45pm
- "A Sunday Afternoon at Home"
- "Hancock's Happy Christmas"
- "The Lift"
Tuesday 13th December, Thursday 15th December, Saturday 17th December at 7.45 pm
- "The Wild Man of the Woods"
- "The Department Store Santa"
- "The Reunion Party"
Tickets for the show will be £10, and all enquiries for tickets should be addressed to Mr. Bernard Wigginton,who can be contacted on 0208 979 4596.
This is the first time that Old Hamptonians Amateur Dramatic Society has performed at the Riverside Arts Centre, so it would be great if they were to be given a warm reception by our local community.
