Author: admin

  • Thank you for the Music, Mrs Campbell! A Tribute Concert

    Thank you for the Music, Mrs Campbell! A Tribute Concert

    To complete the 2023 season, CADS will be presenting next month a tribute concert to honour the memory of the late Mrs Helen Campbell OAM, and her musical direction of CADS’ well-loved Music Halls which began in 1990 and continued through until 2019.

    Helen was a founding member of the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society when it was revived in 1987 and enjoyed 35 years of continuous service earning for her a CADS Life Membership Award in 2022. Helen’s last appearance with CADS was in its last Music Hall production “Back to those Music Hall Days” in 2019 at the outstanding age of 90. 

    Following Helen’s passing in February this year, and because of Helen’s love and passion for music where she was the ever-reliable Musical Director in 22 productions, Anne Cleary put out the clarion call to past music hall cast members to gather together to pay tribute to this wonderful lady who gave so much to her community through music.

    As a result, 33 music hall stalwarts answered the call and are planning a song-filled comeback to feature in “Thank you for the Music, Mrs Campbell! A Tribute Concert”.  All songs are taken from previous music hall shows going back as far as 1991 (yes there are CADS members still around from that era), up until the last music hall show in 2019.

    The Three Tinnies will make an appearance, along with other notable old time CADS performers as well as some younger CADS songsters from more recent music halls. There will even be a special guest appearance by Helen’s twin granddaughters.

    Although Helen Lowe will be tickling the ivories without her mate by her side (they were affectionately known to everyone as The Two Helens), the man with the beat, Dale Chalker, will be drumming alongside Helen, as he did in previous music halls. Richard Ferris will be concert compere.

    The concert will be repeated over two weekends with the first of the performances to be held on Friday 3rd November starting at 7.30pm. This is the night before the Garden Festival weekend starts. The following weekend there will be two matinees – Saturday 11th November at 4pm and again on Sunday 12th November at 2pm. All three concert performances are theatre seating and tickets will be on sale at the door of the Crookwell Memorial Hall before each performance. Tickets may also be booked on www.trybooking.com/CMJSK.

    Although it will be a nostalgic occasion, tinged with a hint of sadness, it will also be an uplifting salute to a lovely lady who gave so much to her community through dedication and loyalty to music recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2021 and the awarding of an Order of Australia Medal.

    That same dedication was ever present in her selfless commitment to all of CADS’s endeavours.  This is why CADS wants to pay tribute to the late and much loved Mrs Campbell, to thank her for the music by way of this special concert.

  • CADS bestows Life Membership

    CADS bestows Life Membership

    Reprinted from the Upper Lachlan Gazette.

    Last Wednesday evening, 23rd August, the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) held its Annual General Meeting and bestowed Life Membership on two of its longest standing members – Mrs Sandra Bill and Mrs Rhonda Cummins.  These nominations followed on from last year’s recognition and awarding of Life membership to Mrs Helen Campbell (dec) and Mr Robert Bill as inaugural recipients of a CADS Life Membership award.

    Sandra Bill was one of the founding members of the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society when it was reformed in 1987 and she has been involved in a  variety of  roles and responsibilities in nearly every CADS production since that time, starting with “Love Rides the Rails” in November 1987.

    Over these last 36 years Sandra has proved her versatility and adaptability by taking on directing, acting, choreography, behind the scenes work in makeup, costumes and properties, front of house, catering, production management including managing copyright issues, developing media and social media policies and designing CADS’ initial policy and procedure handbook. Sandra also collated and catalogued thousands of CADS costumes and properties – an enormous and at times thankless undertaking. Sandra initiated the CADS use of the TryBooking ticket selling program when CADS had to take over that aspect of theatre management. 

    Sandra has always been there in one capacity or another when promoting CADS, not only within the local community and community groups, but also in seeking grants from various bodies to extend the capabilities of the Society, and being successful in gaining those grants.

    Her work with Kids Acting on Stage (KAOS) over many years deserves special mention. It was Sandra’s drive and aspiration for KAOS to be recognised under the umbrella of CADS, so that the children of Crookwell and district would have an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be acting on stage and supported by the facilities and services of CADS.

    Sandra has been an integral part of the CADS team supporting her husband, CADS President Robert Bill, and together, their time has been devoted to the ongoing success of CADS. The two of them have made a formidable team over the past 36 years and CADS’ longevity is mostly due to their ongoing commitment. 

    Rhonda Cummins was also one of the founding members of the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society when it was revived in 1987 at a meeting held at Crookwell High School, and has been a member of CADS since that time, notching up 36 years of continuous service.

    Not only was Rhonda a founding member but she was part of the production team for “Love Rides the Rails” in November 1987 – CADS’ first production marking its reformation that same year. Rhonda has subsequently been director, actor, wardrobe manager, and committee member, a position she currently holds. Rhonda, along with Sandra, was also a founding member and main driver of KAOS and continues in this sub-committee role within CADS today.

    While Rhonda began her service to CADS in backstage work in 1987, she branched into acting roles along the way, with a particularly memorable performance as Mrs Slocombe, (whilst bearing an uncannily strong resemblance in both looks and mannerisms to her character) in CADS’ 2003 production of “Are you Being Served?” Rhonda also assumed the mantle of both director and assistant director for a number of Music Hall shows when they came back onto the CADS program line-up in the later 2000s.

    Rhonda’s particular talent though has been in costume design and procurement of costumes and accessories for most of CADS’ productions. Rhonda’s eye for detail and what works on stage has been an essential asset to the visual impact of each and every production.

    With such continuous and distinguished service and deep commitment to CADS, Sandra Bill and Rhonda Cummins are most worthy recipients of life membership of the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society.

  • That’s a wrap for CADS Country Date Night

    That’s a wrap for CADS Country Date Night

    On Saturday 26th August, CADS debut of the first in the new One Night Only series saw Country Date Night take to the stage.

    A small cast of six local talents comprising of Ben Foley, Heidi Willsher, Sheridan Riles, Jane Wray,  Rechelle Naughton and Michael Lowe serenaded the audience, while Darren ‘Buckets’ O’Brien brought all the laughs, dad jokes and date night banter as MC for the evening.

    Country Date Night included a range of songs from past and present such as Jolene, Stand By Your Man, If Tomorrow Never Comes, I Will Always Love You, I Like I Love It,  Kiss An Angel Good Morning, My Maria and many more. The show was delivered in a cabaret style performance and at times had the audience joining in on both the dance floor and singing along with the cast.

    Six fabulous couples enjoyed the night at the bougie VIP tables with all the added extras and two of the tables took out best dressed couple and best dancing couple of the night.

    The One Night Only series was put forward by Sheridan Riles and Jane Wray, who also co-directed the show for the very first time.

    This is a new direction for CADS as they look to switch things up a little and keep up with the times. Given the positive feedback already received, it is likely you can expect more of these style performances next year with different themes and genres.

    Sheridan and Jane along with CADS would like to thank everyone for their support and patronage.

    Please feel free to leave your comments about the show below.

  • Coming attractions – second half of 2023

    Coming attractions – second half of 2023

    Hi all!

    We’ve always got something in the pipeline, and here are the next few shows that will be coming your way.

    First up is is One Night Only – Country Date Night. Tickets are now available at https://www.trybooking.com/CKGWQ and for other details, please click the attached link for the Show.

    After that, the next two shows are a special KAOS Show in September, and a tribute to Helen Campbell in November.

    We’ll have more details as they are available but hopefully that whets your appetite.

  • One Night Only – Country Date Night!

    One Night Only – Country Date Night!

    It’s a rite of passage, it’s a uniquely bush experience, and something that generates a lot of excitement and anticipation.

    It’s Country Date Night!

    The next show for CADS is One Night Only – Country Date Night, as the name suggest, is on for one night only on Saturday 26 August.

    A mix of past and present country love songs will be delivered in a cabaret-style performance by a small but spicy cast made up of Micheal Lowe, Heidi Willsher, Rechell Naughton, Ben Foley, Sheridan Riles and Jane Wray.

    It’s a show aimed at aged 18-100 (but if you’re over 100 we’ll still let you in). The special host and absolute local legend Buckets O’Brien will navigate the night as MC.

    Tickets will be available through Trybooking.com from 4th August with two ticket options to select from:

    Option one: VIP date night table for two $120 – includes two tickets to the show, a bottle of bubbly on arrival, charcuterie board for two, choc dipped strawberries, a professional couples photo and exclusive attention throughout the show.

    *hurry! only 6 VIP tables on offer!

    Option two: Couples ticket (admits 2) for $70 long table seating and BYO.

    You can bring a date. You may even meet a date at the show (no guarantees). Or you can come dateless.

    Follow us on socials to keep up with all the latest and greatest on offer with CADS. There are lots of exciting shows in rehearsal for delivery before the end of the year!

    WHEN: Saturday 26th August, 7pm.
    WHERE: Crookwell Memorial Hall.
    TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/CKGWQ

    One Night Only!

  • Welcome to a new-look CADS website

    Welcome to a new-look CADS website

    Welcome

    Hello, and welcome to a new-look CADS website.

    Every now and then we all need a bit of spring clean, so we’ve taken on a new website to show what we’ve done, what we’re currently doing and what we have plans for.

    Please give us your feedback so we can adjust it to fit the needs of not just CADS but also the community. It’s a work in progress and we have A LOT more content to add, so please be patient.

    You can make comments on posts, email us, contact us on Facebook or any way you see fit. But please, no messenger pigeons. We’re still cleaning up after the last lot.

    So, again, welcome abord. We hope the new site is useful and even inspires a few more people to get involved… not just on stage… but behind the scenes and all the other many voluntary roles that makes this organisation truly an inclusive community group for everyone.

  • KAOS auditions for Mishmash of Young Talent

    KAOS auditions for Mishmash of Young Talent

    KAOS – KIDS ACTING ON STAGE

    Do you love the stage? Would you like to give it a try??

    Do you sing, dance, act or play an instrument?

    Then the next KAOS show is for you !!

    KAOS is holding muster/audition afternoons on Monday 8th May and Wednesday 10th May at 4.30pm at the Crookwell Memorial Hall.

    If you want to audition, come prepared to play your instrument, sing and/or act. You can put your name down for chorus or just to find out more.

    We are calling for kids aged 6 right through to high school as there will be junior and senior sections in the show.

    The show titled “A MISHMASH OF YOUNG TALENT” is planned for early September 2023.

    Come along to one of the afternoons to meet the team and find out more about becoming involved in this exciting new show.

    For any enquiries contact Sandra on 0434 243 225

  • Vicar of Dibley Christmas (2022)

    Vicar of Dibley Christmas (2022)

    Production: VICAR OF DIBLEY CHRISTMAS
    Season:     4 November – 19 November 2022
    Director: ROBERT BILL
    Stage Manager: SANDRA BILL

    A Vicar of Dibley Christmas: The Second Coming

    If you caught our sell out performance of ‘Vicar of Dibley’ back in 2020 you will be familiar with these characters.

    A Vicar of Dibley Christmas The Second Coming, follows the Vicar, Alice, Hugo & all the other town folk in Dibley.

    Alice & Hugo have just come back from their Honeymoon. Alice can’t work out why she’s putting on weight, the Vicar is trying to come up with a fun prize for radio Dibley, David still thinks Alice is a moron, Hugo is defence to defend his loving wife to his father while also preparing for a huge change within family, Jim, Owen & Mrs Copley are all back too in this cracking Christmas show.

    Be entertained by a wonderful and very experienced cast, some of whom literally have decades of performance under their belts.

    Always, energetic, always wonderful value and always a great show! Get ready to book your tickets, this production will surely sell out fast!!

  • Crookwell resident Helen Campbell receives OAM

    Crookwell resident Helen Campbell receives OAM

    By Sophie Bennett

    Helen Campbell is receiving double the recognition for her musical talents this year.

    Not only was the music-loving 92-year-old recognised as the Crookwell Australia Day Citizen of the Year, but she has also received Medal of the Order of Australia as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

    Ms Campbell said she was overwhelmed but excited to have received the honour.

    “I thought they’d got the wrong person when I first received the letter,” she said.

    “I really can’t imagine why I would receive an award for something that I just naturally love to do.”

    Ms Campbell received the OAM for her service to music through education and performance, and she sure knows how to put on a show.

    Over 32 years, Ms Campbell directed 22 musicals with the Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) and loaned her expertise to the Kids Acting on Stage (KAOS) group.

    Before assuming the role as CADS Musical Director, she taught full-time as a Music, English and History teacher at Crookwell High School for 10 years. Later she swapped down to part-time work.

    OAM recipient: Helen Campbell cutting her celebratory cake. Photo: Robert Bill.

    In her spare time, Ms Campbell played the organ at the local Uniting Church and was a member of the Crookwell Community Singers and Choral Society.

    Ms Campbell said her love for music began when her mother gave her a piano as a young child.

    “Music has provided me with such joy throughout my life and I just hope that I’ve been able to extend that to other people,” Ms Campbell said.

    While she played her last children’s show two years ago, Ms Campbell continues to do just that, entertaining her fellow residents at Viewhaven with her piano playing.

    Originally published in the Crookwell Gazette as
    “Music has provided me with such joy”: Crookwell resident Helen Campbell receives OAM.

  • Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society lit up by $50,000 grant

    Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society lit up by $50,000 grant

    By SANDRA BILL

    Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS) is excited to receive $50,000 under the NSW ClubGrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants Program to replace its existing stage and theatre lighting with LED lighting to reduce power usage.

    Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and her husband Michael paid a visit to Crookwell Memorial Hall to meet with CADS and Kids Acting On Stage (KAOS) members on February 8 to see how the grant will be used.

    CADS members Robert and Simon Bill, Dallas Atkins and Rob Huskinson have been busy for weeks pulling down and installing the new lights, which will be ready for the next KAOS and CADS productions.

    The existing stage lights are original to the hall, with CADS adding other theatre lights over time.

    CADS’ power usage was at capacity, leading to blown fuses on show nights. It was frustrating for the crew as it meant they were always on alert and often had to cut back on the number of lights used in the productions.

    The lighting and sound technicians are all volunteers and would spend many hours trying to program what is needed against what could be used with the existing lights.

    On the nights of the productions, they spend time running from the front mezzanine area to backstage, in the middle of productions if something trips. However, it won’t be an issue with the new LEDs.

    Theatre is a wonderful way of bringing people from all walks of life together, forming strong lasting friendships.

    CADS productions have been bringing the community together for a light-hearted night of entertainment for over 30 years, which is especially important in hard times and drought. Audience numbers have proven this is successful in our community.

    We are proud of what we have already achieved and intend to continue this for future generations. Keeping our theatre operations upgraded will ensure this can happen.

    First published on the Crookwell Gazette website as Crookwell Amateur Dramatic Society lit up by $50,000 grant.