In the autumn of 1992 a group of local people realised there was a lack of arts facilities in Hedge End, a meeting was held with the idea of providing an arts group for the local youth. The Performing Arts Company was formed early in 1993 and became affiliated to the Hedge End Youth & Community Association. Rehearsals take place on Sunday and Monday evenings at the Centre. The first major production WEST SIDE STORY was staged in the October of 1993 at Wildern School and was a great success. To date the company has staged twelve major productions including GUYS and DOLLS, HALF A SIXPENCE and two pantomimes.
Members of the company were extremely pleased when the Arts Council of England recognised the commitment of the company to the arts and awarded them a National Lottery Grant to purchase sound, lighting, intercom system and track equipment.
The company is a member of The National Operatic and Dramatic Association and has gained recognition for the high standard and quality of its productions. Adam Myers has recently been awarded the National Operatic and Dramatic Association's Accolade of Excellence for the most promising male performer in Youth Theatre in the Southern Area for playing the part of Bill Snibson in the musical ME and MY GIRL.
The Company is pleased to support local groups and organisations by taking part in and organising charity events, including ONE WORLD WEEK and a variety show in aid of the MARIE CURIE CANCER NURSES. Members of the company have provided entertainment for Hedge End Carnival Committee' s Senior Citizens Lunch, the Tuesday Club, Botley Traders Christmas Evening and also Dawson Lodge at West End.
Three members of the company were selected to take part in the National Operatic and Dramatic Association's Centenary Night of a Thousand Voices at the Royal Albert Hall London in May.
The last production, CRAZY FOR YOU, was staged at the Eastpoint Centre Southampton and we were proud to be the first amateur company in the area to be granted a licence to perform this show.
The Company members are full of enthusiasm, very talented and work extremely hard to produce a very professional show. Please come along, enjoy the show and support your local drama group.