It has been a busy few months for the newly formed Elstead Village Theatre group.

The group was created following the rebranding and relaunching of the former Players of Elstead Theatrical Society.

Elstead Village Theatre is currently preparing for its first show A Night at the Musicals at Elstead Village Hall on September 19 at 7.30pm.

It will feature 15 talented acts from Elstead and the surrounding villages, including Elstead choir Tonic, and performances will range from Gigi to Wicked to Hamilton.

New member Aimee Hedley summed up the excitement around the show: “As someone who is passionate about drama and musical theatre, I am thrilled to be a part of such a friendly group and can't wait to perform songs from both Chicago and Guys & Dolls.”

Since hosting a well-attended open evening back in May, Elstead Village Theatre has welcomed a number of new members who have so far enjoyed a series of evening workshops involving play reading, acting skills, scriptwriting and poetry, as well as an exciting programme of improvisation sessions with local improv group Tiger Tail Theatre.

These have proved very popular and a great way for adults to lose their inhibitions and have some fun. The autumn workshops have just been confirmed and will include existing favourites as well as new opportunities like taster flamenco and belly-dancing classes.

Melanie Duke, the chair of Elstead Village Theatre, said: “Although as a theatre group we are committed to public performance and are looking forward to staging our flagship production over three nights and a matinee in February, we wanted to offer something different and to provide interesting drama-based activities for the whole community, whatever their age or experience.

“The workshop schedule offers the chance for people to dip in depending on their personal interest, without the same level of commitment required for twice-weekly rehearsals. And after a successful play in a day for eight to 12-year-olds in the summer, we are looking to develop youth drama in the village too.”

The group’s inaugural quiz in July, which raised funds for local charity Huckleberries, was a huge success and is now set to be an annual event.

Elstead Village Theatre was founded in April 2026, evolving from the Players of Elstead Theatrical Society. It had been a big part of village life in Elstead since it was set up in 1984 but its membership had dwindled.

The new group is run by a five-strong committee who have either been involved in local theatre groups or who have experience of drama from school and university days - or both.

Its aim is to stage one fundraising event or production per year to raise money for local charities. As a not-for-profit organisation, any proceeds from ticket sales or bar takings from other activities will be reinvested in future productions and the development of a youth drama group that will be affordable for local families.

For tickets to A Night at the Musicals, which cost £13 each, visit www.elsteadvillagetheatre.co.uk