24th February to 3rd March

Emma is a novel about the perils of misconstrued romance. The novel, by Jane Austen was first published in December 1815. As in her other novels, Austen explores the concerns and difficulties of genteel women living in Georgian England; she also creates a lively comedy of manners among her characters.

Before she began the novel, Austen wrote, "I am going to make a heroine whom no one but myself will much like." In the very first sentence she introduces the title character as "Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich." Emma, however, is also rather spoiled; she greatly overestimates her own matchmaking abilities; and she is blind to the dangers of meddling in other people's lives and is often mistaken about the meanings of others' actions.

Adapted for the stage by Gordon Glennon.

A celebration of the highs and lows of growing up...

The play centres on a school trip to Conwy Castle in North Wales. Mrs Kay teaches a remedial class for illiterate children, called the "Progress Class". The whole class - along with Digga and Reilly, the slightly older class bullies who used to be in the Progress Class - are taken on a coach trip. At the last minute, the Headmaster commissions Mr Briggs, the authoritarian Deputy Headmaster, to supervise the trip.

Suspense builds when Addie begins to feel unwell and, for the first time, Millie must take her place in the dramatic and violent last act of the play. In a startling twist, the violence becomes very real...

4th May to 12th May

Marie, Cissie and Eva are sisters who have each led very different lives. Marie is a little eccentric, Cissie has a reputation for being a free spirit, while Eva is a local councillor who is organized and a little bit bossy.

Despite their differences the three women have something they share. Rory Tobacco, Marie's ex-husband, is a local businessman with his fingers in many pies; he is successful at lots of things, but not the important ones like relationships...

From the SDC Subscriber's & Patron's Newsletter, April 2009