NEW LAIGH KIRK DRAMA GROUP
It’s mandatory to enjoy yourself
Gill Sherry
The very first amateur dramatic group is thought to have been established in the early 1800s. There are now more than 2,500 am-dram groups in the UK, including the New Laigh Kirk Drama Group in Kilmarnock.
The group was set up by Ann Burley in June 2022. Ann was previously a member of Stewarton Drama Group, beginning her stage life as a peasant before progressing up the ranks to a villager, a fairy, a queen, and then going on to produce a pantomime.
“As a wee lassie I liked to write wee plays and I used to do impersonations for a laugh,” Ann tells me. “I’ve always been that way inclined. And lo and behold, I managed to get the church hall on a Tuesday!”
Having retired from the NHS, Ann finally had the time to commit to her am-dram dream, securing use of the New Laigh Kirk Halls and establishing a new group.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” she admits, “but it’s not just about me, it’s about us as a group. I’m only one of the group.”
The group currently consists of 24 members, aged from 21 all the way up to 81. There are, however, only two males in the group and Ann takes the opportunity to appeal for more men to come along.
“We’ve only two males, it’s populated by females. We really need more Widow Twankeys! And off-stage support would also be welcome.”
The group meets on a Tuesday evening from 7pm till 9pm. It costs just £2 to go along, including tea or coffee, and there is absolutely no pressure to get up on stage.
“When I ask someone if they’d like to join our drama group, what I get is ‘Oh, I’ve got enough drama in my life!’ but we need volunteers for costume making, sound, audio, front of house, backstage… the full package. There’s only one thing that’s mandatory and that’s to enjoy yourself.”
Ann wrote and directed the group’s first production, There’s Been a Murder, which was performed in June this year, and they’re now busy rehearsing for Once Upon a Murder. The script for this production, which is due to be performed on 7th December, was obtained from Lazy Bee Scripts.
“It’s a wedding,” Ann confirms. “People buy a ticket which is actually a wedding invitation. The hall holds about 100 people and there’ll be eight to a table. The tables will be dressed for a wedding with flowers and wee favours and things like that.”
So the scene is set… what happens next?
“We’ve got five acts. The character is murdered at the end of act one. In act four, Fairy Nuff takes over as the FBI agent, that’s the Fairy Bureau of Investigation, and she goes into rhyming mode and asks the audience for help. Act five will be the big reveal. It’s all tongue in cheek.”
Money raised from the production on 7th December will be donated to New Laigh Church. But raising money for good causes is not the only benefit of amateur dramatics. For those involved in am-dram it can be a real confidence booster, enabling them not only to learn new skills but also to meet new people.
“They’re so talented,” Ann says of her fellow group members. “Bringing them together, it’s just amazing.”
Looking ahead, the group will perform a pantomime next year written by Ann over ten years ago. Beyond that, she hopes to enter competitions arranged through the Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA). Until then, the group benefits from the Association’s guidance, scripts and monologues.
“We’re not at the level yet for the competitions, but it’s something to aspire to.”
Ann confirms that absolutely anybody is welcome to join the group. It’s not just about acting, it’s about friendship, community and, most importantly of all, fun.
“It’s mandatory to enjoy yourself!” she repeats.
For more information, contact 07709676239.
