For over 40 years, our amateur dramatic company has brought a wide range of theatre productions to audiences at The Queen’s Hall Arts Centre in Hexham. We are a friendly and enthusiastic group made up of people from many different backgrounds. Some of our members are retired, some are still working, and our experience ranges from those with many years of amateur theatre behind them to people taking their very first steps on stage.
What we all share is a love of theatre and the enjoyment of working together to create engaging and entertaining productions. Whether performing on stage or helping behind the scenes, every member plays an important part in bringing our shows to life.
The group is supported by a regular committee who help organise and guide the running of the company. We usually stage two productions each year — one in late spring or early summer, and another in late autumn — and we are always pleased to welcome new members who would like to get involved, whether acting, helping backstage, or supporting the production in other ways.
We meet every two months to plan and coordinate our productions
My name is Pauline Eccles and I’ve been involved with the QHTC since the turn of the century! It was 2000 when I answered an ad in the Hexham Courant inviting interested people to come along for an audition for the upcoming production of “Steel Magnolias”. I got the part and then I went on to be in several other productions over the years.
Over those years, I became more involved in the “administration” of the club: namely as Chair for some time, Secretary, and I’m also a Trustee. It has been (and still is) a wonderful experience being around enthusiastic people, super productions and helping out in a variety of ways. We always need people for every production whether it be on stage, back stage, wardrobe, props, sound, make up and publicity. The warmest of welcomes awaits so please come and meet other like-minded people and have a great time with QHTC
I am Janet Lennard and I do the sound cues for rehearsals and performances. I got involved 2 years ago and I have found the job both fun and terrifying at the same time!. At performances I am up in the ‘Gods’ with the professionals at the Queens Hall and thoroughly enjoy seeing them at work. At rehearsals I provide the all-important music cues and effects , it is gratifying to see the actors young and old developing their roles and confidence.
I have been involved in community drama groups since being bitten by the bug in my hometown of Consett, when a teenager – many years ago now! I have acted, stage managed, directed, prompted, made costumes and props, created publicity – you name it and I’ve probably been there – making some wonderful friends on the way. I have been involved in QHTC since its beginnings pre-1985. I have directed many productions – from Blackadder to Goodnight Mr Tom – and have loved them all. We have involved a huge range of people – from eight to eighty and I just love that feeling of all coming together to make something happen – to challenge ourselves – to create things – to have fun and get the fabulous sense of achievement that comes with putting on live theatre – always different – always wonderful.
I have been a member of the group for several years and currently serve on the club’s committee. Before retiring I worked in IT as a network designer and programmer for a number of large UK organisations, and I still enjoy using some of those technical skills to support the club where they are useful.
As well as helping behind the scenes, I also enjoy performing on stage and being part of the cast in our productions. Being part of the committee allows me to contribute to the organisation and running of the group and help ensure our productions run smoothly and its a great way to make new friends.