August 2020

We are pleased to announce that following the second postponement of our production of Shrek we have once again managed to secure new dates for this wonderful show. The new dates for Shrek the musical will be the 21st to 24th April 2021.

The effects of the Coronavirus have obviously had a wide range of effects on our plans for future productions and while the situation is still unpredictable we are hopeful that this will be the final change of dates for this show.

Tickets can be purchased from the Orchard Theatre box office on 01322 220000 or via their website here. Anybody who had purchased tickets for the original dates will have their tickets transferred to the new dates. Any enquiries relating to purchasing or changing tickets will be dealt with by the Orchard Theatre and customers are encouraged to visit their website or call the box office for further information.

This will have an obvious knock-on effect on our other scheduled shows and we will bring you furhter information about changes to the dates of All Shook Up and Hello Dolly as soon as they are confirmed.

January 2020

DAODS is delighted to announce the production team for its October 2020 production at the Orchard Theatre.

Director - Alex Tyrrell

Choreographer - Amy  Farlie

Musical Director - Ed Sage

All Shook Up is a new musical comedy built around a number of songs made famous by Elvis Presley. Among the 24 songs featured in the score are classics like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Love Me Tender," "Don't Be Cruel," "Can't Help Falling in Love," and of course the title tune.

November 2019

After a long day of excellent auditions we are proud to announce our our Shrek-tacular cast! 

Shrek will be at The Orchard Theatre 29th April - 2nd May 2020. You can book your tickets right now by clicking https://orchardtheatre.co.uk/…/tickets-daods-shrek-dartford

CAST LIST

Shrek: Alex Freeman
Fiona: Laura Gillham
Donkey: Rebecca Coker
Lord Farquaad: Mark Fromings
Dragon: Katy George
Pinocchio: Curtis Sutherland
Gingy: Michelle Wright
Papa Ogre: Ryan Alexandrou
Mama Ogre: Nicole Brady
King Harold: Daniel Cross
Queen Lillian: Ella Walden
Teen Fiona: Maeve-Anne Allen
Sugar Plum Fairy: Jade Oswald
Big Bad Wolf: Crew Martin
Ugly Duckling: Lucy Colbert
Mama Bear: Alex Moore
Papa Bear: Liam Winter
Baby Bear: Amy Cooper
Wicked Witch: Sally Mudhoo
Peter Pan: Alex Tyrrell
Fairy Godmother: Emma Ramsay
Shoe Elf: Chloe Tidbury
Humpty Dumpty: Annabelle Storey
Mad Hatter: Kieren Manning
Pig 1: Lucy Regan
Pig 2: Louise Brown
Pig 3: Patrick Walsh
3 Blind Mice: Lily Turner, Sophie Nightingale, Rebecca Bartlett
Captain of the Guards: Luke Walden
Thelonius: George Harvey
Bishop: David Cosh
Pied Piper: Ellesse Cooke
White Rabbit: Hannah Burton

Featured Tappers: James Lockwood, Dionne Blackaby, Gemma Matthews, Terri Truckle, Bethan Campbell, Sarah Kearley, Abbie Davies, Lauren Ramsay

Happy People/Ensemble: Hayleigh Brampton, Sarah Brunditt, Christina Brunner, Callum Bultitude, Hayley Meredith Evans, Jasmin Howe, Nina Monksfield, Francesca Rameaux, Thomas Smart, Jane Parish, Katie Whistler, Callum York.

September 2019

Members of a local theatre group are dusting off their dancing shoes as they prepare for their next musical production. Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) has been putting local performers through their paces as the group prepares to head to the Orchard Theatre in Dartford for its October production of Footloose.

Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend of Bomont. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of friends Ariel and Willard, Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.

The show is probably already familiar to audiences from the 1984 Kevin Bacon film and offers a toe-tapping upbeat score featuring many hit songs including Let’s Hear It For The Boy, Holding out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Footloose and many more!

Footloose offers many opportunities for the society’s members, made up of local residents living in and around Dartford, including many high-energy dance numbers which they have been working on since rehearsals started in April. Anticipation for the show is high, as DAODS chairman, Paul Farlie, explained. “We have always tried to present a variety of different types of shows for our audience and this year has been no different. We performed a more traditional show in April with our production of Oliver! and Footloose gives us the chance to bring something a little more modern to the stage. That will continue once Footloose is over as we move straight into rehearsals for Shrek the musical which we will be staging in April 2020.”

This show will be the sixth from the local group in the last 12 months. The society is always looking for new talent, both on and off-stage, and anyone who is interested in getting involved should email daodscom@gmail.com.

·         Footloose is being performed from 23rd – 26th October at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Tickets: 01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

August 2019

DAODS is please to announce the production team for its 2020 panto Cinderella at Heathfields Hall.

Director - Heather Woodley

Choreographer - Vicki Sinfield

Muscial Director - Keith Hills

The first meeting for the show is being held on Tuesday 10th September, 7.45pm at Heathfields Hall.

July 2019

DAODS is delighted to announce the creative team for Shrek the musical at the Orchard Theatre in April 2020.

Director - Alex Campbell

Musical Director - Steve Trill

Choreographer - Stephanie Lee

Auditions to join the society for this show are being held on Monday 28th October at Heathfields Hall. Please visit our Contact Us page if you are interested in being a part of this show. First rehearsal will be on Friday 1st November.

June 2019

DAODS are proud to announce our future productions coming to The Orchard Theatre!

💚 Shrek the Musical - 15th to 18th April 2020 
💛 All Shook Up - 14th to 17th October 2020
❤️️ Hello Dolly! - 14th to 17th April 2021

Look out for more information on our upcoming shows!

May 2019

After a fantastic set of auditions on Sunday, DAODS are delighted to announce the cast for our production of Footloose at The Orchard Theatre, October 2019!

Ren McCormack: Kieren Manning
Ethel McCormack: Heather Louise Woodley
Reverend Shaw Moore: John Woodley
Vi Moore: Michelle Wright
Ariel Moore: Abby James
Wes Warnicker: Terry Allen
Lulu Warnicker: Karen Farlie
Coach: Kaye Cooper
Eleanor Dunbar: Jill Suzanne Taylor
Rusty: Rebecca Coker
Urleen: Emma Catherine Ramsay
Wendy Jo: Melissa O'Reilly
Chuck Cranston: Ethan Oswald
Lyle: George Harvey
Travis: Liam Winter
Cop: Ryan Alexandrou
Betty Blast: Donna Poitras Dawson
Willard Hewitt: Curtis Sutherland
Cowboy Bob: Paul Farlie
Cowgirl: Lily Turner

Dancers/Townspeople/Students:
Christina Brunner, Bethan Campbell, Laura East Ramsay, Natacha Cox, Jade Oswald, Sophia May, Ebony Bartlett, Faith Smith, Hannah Burton,Rebecca Hills, Chloe Kenny, Terri Louise Truckle, Ellena Jones, Lauren Ramsay, Ella Walden, Grace Kenny, Sarah Brundritt, Ellesse Cooke,Victoria Sinfield, Helena Booer, Maxine Gamble-beresford, Meghan Walsh,Annabelle Storey, Alex Moore, Michael Scott, David Cosh

May 2019

DAODS is delighted to announce that it has received two NODA awards for our production of West Side Story in April 2018. Mark Fromings has been given the award for Best Male in a Musical for his performance as Tony and the show also was given the Kathleen Oyler award for Chorus Work.

Congratulations to everyone involved in West Side Story as well as all the other winners announced.

See the full list of winners here.

April 2019

After a break in 2019, we are extremely excited to announce that the DAODS Panto is coming back to Heathfields Hall in January 2020 - and welcome the new Production Team for this magical adventure!!

Director - Heather Woodley

MD - Keith Hills

Choreographer - Vicki Sinfield

First rehearsal

Tuesday August 27th 2019

March 2019

At the beginning of March DAODS celebrated the last year in style with the biggest social event of the year; the annual dinner dance and Freddies awards.

As DAODS’ own version of the Oscars, the Freddies are given out every year at the Dinner Dance by the previous years winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Society award. In 2018 this was David Constable and he was assisted on stage by former Chairman Fred Hall. Fred began the tradition of giving out the awards each year in order to celebrate not only some of the fantastic performances given throughout year but also to highlight the excellent work done by members of the society off stage.

This year the awards were given to;

• Best Actress – Jade Oswald

• Best Actor – Mark Fromings

• Best Newcomer – Luke Walden

• Special Award – Amy Farlie

• Outstanding Contribution to the Society – Sam Eades

The evening began with a three course meal, followed by the awards and then entertainment from local band Triggers broom and DJ Jim.

.

February 2019

DAODS is delighted to announe the production for Footloose at the Orchard THeatre in OCtober 2019.

Director - Elisa Horne

Choreographer - Paula Gosnell-Diggens

Musical DIrector - Cormac Dorrian

Rehearsls for Footloose will begin affter Oliver! which is being performed at the Orchard Theatre in April. You can book your tickets here.

November 2018

After a fantastic set of auditions at Heathfields Hall the Production Team and Audition Panel are pleased to announce the Cast for DAODS' production of Oliver! at The Orchard Theatre - April 2019.

OLIVER CAST LIST

Mr Bumble - Paul Booer
Widow Corney - Julia Bull
Mr Sowerberry - Dave Kerry
Mrs Sowerberry - Emma Garthwaite
Charlotte - Uncast
Noah - Mason Mote
Fagin - Mark Slaughter
Nancy - Jade Oswald
Bill Sykes - Luke Walden
Mr Brownlow - Dave Hughes
Dr Grimwig - Dave Cosh
Mrs Bedwin - Carey-Jane Ramsay
Sally - Bethan Campbell
Annie - Emma Ramsay

ENSEMBLE

 
Laura Adlington, Lucy Ayley, Rebecca Bartlett, Helena Booer, Lisa Brooks, Keely Brown, Louise Brown, Laura Brown, Christina Brunner, Hannah Burton, Lysette Camp, Bethan Campbell, Jo Clark, Rebecca Coker, David Cosh, Natasha Cox, Donna Dawson, Carrie Duffy, Keith Hills, Emily Jackson, Abby James, Ellena Jones, Sarah Kearley, Gavin Kirrage, Stephanie Lee, Kieren Manning, Kerry Mapp, Alexandra Moore, Olivia Morbin, Terry Morris, Mason Mote, Sophie Nightingale, Jane Parish, Carey-Jane Ramsay, Emma Ramsay, Laura Ramsay, Amy Robertson, Faith Smith, Annabelle Storey, Chloe Tidbury, Karen Tomkins, Lily Turner, Ella Walden, Meghan Walsh, Liam Winter, Heather Woodley, John Woodley

October 2018

Local performers puttin’ on their Top Hats for next show

A local theatre group have been dusting off their top hats, white ties and tails over the last few months in preparation for their next big performance. Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) are hard at work in rehearsals for Irving Berlin’s classic musical comedy Top Hat, which opens in October in Dartford’s Orchard Theatre.

Based on the 1936 film of the same name, Top Hat was first brought to the stage in 2011 starring Strictly Come Dancing winner Tom Chambers. The show brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage. Packed full of Berlin’s greatest hits including, Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz, it tells the story of Broadway star Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont. But things don’t go according to plan and a case of mistaken identity soon sends things off course.

The Society has been rehearsing towards the October performances since the beginning of May, with a cast of over 40 local performers meeting twice a week at their headquarters, Heathfields Hall in Dartford. ‘This show is known for its music and specifically the dance sequences made so famous in the original black and white film’, says the show’s Director Alex Tyrrell. ‘So we have worked incredibly hard to recreate the look and feel of those moments. It’s involved everyone sharing in the same vision of what we want to achieve, from myself as director but also our choreographer and our wardrobe department. Ultimately it will be the people on stage that will turn our ideas into reality and everyone is really pulling together to make the show as fantastic as it can be.’

DAODS last production at the Orchard Theatre was West Side Story and they will be looking to replicate the box office success of that show where most performances were nearly sold out. To this end the Society has been promoting Top Hat in a variety of ways online as well as with performances at Dartford Festival and in Dartford Town Centre. ‘The feedback from our audiences is always extremely positive and we know that many people come back to see us time and again’, says Chairman Paul Farlie. ‘Our challenge is to ensure that we get the word out there so we can attract new audiences and spread the word about what we do. Ultimately we serve the community so we want to make sure they get to see the benefits of our work.’

This show will be followed by a family favourite; Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, which will again be performed at the Orchard Theatre in April 2018. The Society is always looking for new talent, both on and off-stage, and anyone who is interested in getting involved should email daodscom@gmail.com.

·         Top Hat is being performed from 10th – 13th October at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Tickets: 01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

Editor’s notes:

·         DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907

·         Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes

·         Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver – Gypsy/Sherlock; Thornhill - Matilda/Chicago)

 ends

September 2018

DAODS is pleased to announce the production team for its upcoming production of Lionel Bart's classic family show Oliver! The show will be performed at Dartford's Orchard Theatre in April 2019.

Director - Sheila Arden

Choreographer - Amy Farlie assisted by Sam Eades

Muscial Directors - Ed Sage and Stephanie Jarvis

Look out for further information about child and adult auditions for this show on our website and our Facebook page.

June 2018

DAODS is very proud to announce that Alex Freeman has been named as the District 4 Winner of the 'The Ken Wirdnam Award for Best Male in a Musical.'  He has won this for his portrayal of Eddie in DAODS' April 2017 production of Made in Dagenham. Alex went up to receive his award  at the NODA London Festival Weekend.

Well done to all the winners  We are so proud of this recognition and his contribution to what was a memorable show!

May 2018

After a great set of auditions, DAODS are delighted to announce the cast for our production of Top Hat at The Orchard Theatre in October 2018!!!

Jerry Travers: Paul Farlie
Dale Tremont: Faith Rogers
Horace: John Woodley
Madge: Louise Brown
Beddini: Luke Walden
Bates: Kieren Manning
Diva Show Singer: Jade Oswald
Venetian Head Singing Waiter: Mark Fromings

Speaking/Singing Roles (in order of appearance)

Chorine 1: Rebecca Hills
Chorine 2: Melissa O'Reilly
Chorine 3: Sophia May
Reporter 1: Tom Salter
Reporter 2: Heather Woodley
Reporter 3: Gerry Willson
Maurice (Jerry’s Manager): Frank Gregory
Thackery Club Concierge: Mark Fromings
Cab Driver: Keith Hills
Young Lady: Laura East
Young Man: Ethan Oswald
Rich Lady: Donna Dawson
Rich Man: Keith Hills
Maid: Maxine GB
Doorman: Tom Salter
Florist Assistant: Emma Goodday
Florist: Jill Taylor
Receptionist: Kaye Cooper
Hotel Manager: Alex Freeman
Assistant Manager: Tom Salter
George (Jerry's dresser): Ethan Oswald
Master of Ceremonies: Frank Gregory
Waiter 1: Ethan Oswald
Waiter 2: Alex Freeman
Venetian Hotel Concierge: Sophie Nightingale

PUTTIN ON THE RITZ DANCERS
Ellie Beaumont, Bethan Campbell, Natasha Cox, Sam Eades, Laura East, Sophie Guariglia-Smith, Rebecca Hills, Chloe Kenny, Sophia May, Melissa O'Reilly, Jill Taylor, Terri Truckle, Andrew Hudson, Mark Fromings, Alex Freeman, Ethan Oswald

TOP HAT WHITE TIE & TAILS - Tap dancers;

Ebony Bartlett, Zoe Blowers, Helena Booer, Louise Brown, Jo Dennis, Catherine Jarvie, Sophie Nightingale, Emma Ramsay, Tom Salter, Lily Turner, Dawn Wood

NO STRING MAIDS
Alexandra Moore, Emma Ramsay, Vikki Sinfield

ISN’T THIS A LOVELY DAY
Lucy Ayley, Ana Boms-Perez, Helena Booer, Lisa Brooks, Louise Brown, Jo Clark, Kaye Cooper, Donna Dawson, Maxine Gamble-Beresford, Emma Goodday Frank Gregory, Keith Hills, Catherine Jarvie, Nina Monksfield, Sophie Nightingale, Jade Oswald, Amy Robertson, Lily Turner, Ella Walden, Meghan Walsh, Gerry Willson, Heather Woodley

EASY TO DANCE WITH BOYS
Mark Fromings, Ethan Oswald, Tom Salter, Alex Freeman

WHAT IS LOVE

Singers: 
Helena Booer, Kerry Mapp, Emma Ramsay, Lily Turner

Dancers: 
Ellie Beaumont, Bethan Campbell, Laura East, Sophie Guariglia-Smith, Rebecca Hills, Chloe Kenny

CHEEK TO CHEEK DANCERS:
Ebony Bartlett, Ellie Beaumont, Zoe Blowers, Hannah Burton, Bethan Campbell, Natasha Cox, Joanna Dennis, Sam Eades, Laura East, Mark Fromings, Frank Gregory, Sophie Guariglia-Smith, Keith Hiĺls, Rebecca Hills, Andrew Hudson, Chloe Kenny, Kerry Mapp, Sophia May, Melissa O'Reilly, Ethan Oswald, Tom Salter, Jill Taylor, Terri Truckle, Dawn Wood, Alex Freeman

April 2018

Top Hat brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the stage.

Packed full of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including, ‘Cheek to Cheek’, ‘Top Hat, White Tie & Tails’, ‘Let’s Face the Music & Dance’ and ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’, Top Hat tells the story of Broadway star Jerry Travers who dances his way across Europe to win the heart of society girl Dale Tremont. But things don’t go according to plan and a case of mistaken identity soon sends things off course.

An uplifting and hilarious romantic comedy celebrating 1930s song, style and romance. 

Auditions:  Sunday 6th May 2018 - 11am 

To audition for Top Hat you must be a member of DAODS. New members auditions to join our society are being held on Monday 23rd April. Email daodscom@gmail.com for further information on joining the society or go to our Membership page

April 2018

One of the most well-known and beloved shows in musical theatre will be making its way to town this spring as Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) brings West Side Story to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre.

As an updated version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story stunned audiences when it opened on Broadway in 1957 with its vivid mixing of drama, daring choreography and latin inspired score from Leonard Bernstein. The show tells the story of Tony and Maria and their quest to find happiness together amid the turmoil of gang war between the Jets and the Sharks. Many of the show’s songs have passed into the popular canon; songs like ‘America’, ‘Tonight’ and ‘I feel pretty’ will already be familiar to many audience members.

The Society has been rehearsing towards the April performances since October, with a cast of over 50 local performers meeting twice a week at their headquarters, Heathfields Hall in Dartford. ‘It’s been a huge undertaking’, explains the show’s Director Alex Freeman. ‘We have a great mixture of long-standing and brand new society members in the show and they have gelled together really well. In particular we have worked hard on the many dance sequences that the show is famous for and we’re looking forward to seeing everything come together in the last few weeks of rehearsal’.

One area where this show has already been a triumph for the Society is at the box office where they have seen ticket sales outpace all their previous productions of the past 8 years. They are hoping that this success will not be a one-off, as Chairman Paul Farlie explains. ‘We have been working hard at marketing, not just individual shows but the Society as a whole, for a number of years. It has been great to see that this show has already been so popular with the public, the last time we saw tickets selling this fast was in 2010 for our production of The Wizard of Oz, but there is a chance that we will surpass even that total.’

This show will be followed by the toe-tapping Irving Berlin classic Top Hat, which will again be performed at the Orchard Theatre in October 2018. The Society is always looking for new talent, both on and off-stage, and anyone who is interested in getting involved should email daodscom@gmail.com.

·         West Side Story is being performed from 18th – 21st April at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Tickets: 01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

Editor’s notes:

·         DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907

·         Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes

·         Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver – Gypsy/Sherlock; Thornhill - From Here To Eternity/Chicago)

 ends.

March

At the beginning of March DAODS celebrated the last year in style with the biggest social event of the year; the annual dinner dance and Freddies awards.

As DAODS’ own version of the Oscars, the Freddies are given out every year at the Dinner Dance by the previous years winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the Society award. In 2017 this was Allex Tyrrell and he was assisted on stage by former Chairman Fred Hall. Fred began the tradition of giving out the awards each year in order to celebrate not only some of the fantastic performances given throughout year but also to highlight the excellent work done by members of the society off stage.

This year the awards were given to;

• Best Actress – Michelle Wright

• Best Actor – Paul Farlie

• Best Newcomer – Tom Salter

• Special Award – Annabelle Storey

• Special Award - Fred Hall

• Outstanding Contribution to the Society – David Constable

The evening began with a three course meal, followed by the awards and then entertainment from local band Triggers broom and DJ Jim.

January 2018

We are delighted to announce that we have finalised our shows for 2019 at the The Orchard Theatre!

In April 2019 we will be performing Lionel Bart's all time classic Oliver! and this will be followed in October 2019 with the uplifting and energy-filled Footloose!

We can't wait to get started on these shows so look out for more information about how to get involved and box office details on our facebook page and our website daods.co.uk!

These shows will follow on from our 2018 programme...

April 2018 - West Side Story

October 2018 - Top Hat
April 2019 - Oliver!

October 2019 - Footloose

October 2017

Following an exceptionally long day of auditions we are delighted to announce our cast for our April 2018 production of West Side Story at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Check back here and on our Facebook page for further information about this show and all of our forthcoming productions!

Tony -Mark Fromings
Maria -Jade Oswald
Anita -Sophie Guariglia-Smith
Bernardo -Ben Humberstone
Chino -Ross Clark
Riff -Paul Farlie
Action -Patrick Walsh
A-Rab -Luke Walden
Diesel -Tom Salter
Baby John -Ethan Oswald
Snow Boy -Jake Blackaby
Anybodys -Alex Campbell
Rosalia -Hannah Howell
Consuela -Rebecca Coker
Francisca -Ella Walden
Doc -Dave Hughes
Schrank -Keith Hills
Krupke -Frank Gregory
Somewhere Girl -Lily Turner
Gladhand -Terry Morris

Chorus:

Michelle Adams, Lucy Ayley, Rebecca Bartlett, Dee Blackaby, Helena Booer, Hayleigh Brampton, Lisa Brooks, Louise Brown, Sarah Brundritt, Hannah Burton, Amy Cooper, Kaye Cooper, Natacha Cox, Charlotte Day, Katie Dennis, Paula Diggens, Lucy Durant, Sam Eades, Laura East, Amy Farlie, Katy George, Emma Goodday, Abigail Hebdon, Rebecca Hills, Katie Hutton, Emily Jackson, Abby James, Steph Jarvis, Ellena Jones, Chloe Kenny, Grace Kenny, James Lockwood, Kerry Mapp, Gemma Matthews, Sophia May, Nina Monksfield, Sally Mudhoo, Sophie Nightingale, Jane Parish, Jo Perry, Emma Ramsay, Vicki Sinfield, Lauren Smith, Annabelle Storey, Jill Taylor, Franki Turner, Richard Twyman, Michelle Wright

May 2017

The Production Team are proud to announce the cast for DAODS production of Singin in the Rain.

Don Lockwood:        Paul Farlie

Kathy Selden:            Laura Gillham

Cosmo Brown:          Alex Tyrrell

Lina Lamont:             Michelle Wright

Dora Bailey:               Donna Dawson

R.F. Simpson:             Fred Hall

Roscoe Dexter:         John Woodley

Zelda Zanders:         Emma Garthwaite

Miss Dinsmore:         Dawn Wood

Rod:                            Uncast

Production Singer:   Uncast

Male Vocal Coach:   Uncast

Ensemble:

Michelle Adams, Lucy Ayley, Jake Blackaby, Louise Brown, Helena Booer, Jo Clark, Ross Clark, Kaye Cooper, Dave Cosh, Joanna Dennis, Sam Eades, Laura East, Amy Farlie, Alex Freeman, Maxine Gamble-Beresford, Katy George, Emma Goodday, Frank Gregory, Sophie Guariglia, Megan Guy, Abigail Hebdon, Abby James, Grace Ladley, Dawn Leese, Chloe Kenny, Grace Kenny, Natasha Kent, Kerry Mapp, Gemma Matthews, Melissa May, Sophia May, Nina Monksfield, Terry Morris, Sophie Nightingale, Emma Ramsay, Demi Squires, Annabelle Storey, Jill Taylor, Stephanie Trott, Terri Truckle, Franki Turner, Heather Upton (Woodley), Patrick Walsh, Ella Walden

.

March 2017

Made in Dartford – West End show to be performed by local theatre group

Dartford residents will feel that Essex has moved just that bit closer this April when a recent West End hit show is brought to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre.

Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) is revving up rehearsals for its upcoming production of the British musical Made in Dagenham, which was nominated for several Laurence Olivier Awards. The group is one of the first in the South East to secure the rights for the newly released show, and the cast of more than 50 local performers have been working hard since October.

Inspired by a true story and based on the 2010 hit movie, Made in Dagenham is an uplifting musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what's right.

Set in the 60s, it follows the main character of Rita O'Grady, who finds herself the spokesperson for a group of female machinists at Ford's car manufacturing plant in Dagenham. Eventually she leads them on strike when it becomes apparent they are being paid less than their male colleagues for doing the same work. In the West End, the part of Rita was played by Gemma Arterton, who was born in nearby Gravesend and attended the Miskin Theatre at North West Kent College in Dartford.

Although the show has many funny moments, it also touches on some important themes that are still relevant today. “Women’s rights and equal pay are still high on the public agenda,” says the show’s director Alex Campbell, “and this show highlights just how long these struggles have been going on for.”

Campbell has been a member of the society since she was nine years old, and Made in Dagenham will mark her debut as director at the Orchard Theatre. “DAODS is where my love for theatre began”, says Campbell, whose day job is in the Royal Shakespeare Company's casting department. “Not only have I been able to learn about how a show is put together, and to take part in dozens of shows over the years, but it has inspired me to pursue a career in the theatre. Last year I started work for the RSC, and the experience I have gained there has certainly been an asset during rehearsals for Made in Dagenham.”

The show comes hot on the heels of Annie Get Your Gun, which the group performed at the Orchard Theatre in October, and DAODS will return there in October 2017 with the well-loved classic Singin’ in the Rain. The society is always looking for new talent, both on and off-stage, and anyone who is interested in getting involved should email daodscom@gmail.com.

Made in Dagenham is being performed from 26th – 29th April at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford. Tickets: 01322 220000 or www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

Editor’s notes:

• DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907

• Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes

• Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver – Gypsy/Sherlock; Thornhill - From Here To Eternity/Chicago)

February 2017

DAODS were delighted to honour their longest serving member last month when they presented Betty Knott with her NODA Diamond Bar to signify 60 years’ service to the Society.

Betty joined the Society in 1955 and has taken on a variety of roles both on stage and off and is still responsible for running the DAODS box office for our shows at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford. Her first show with the Society was the Gypsy Baron and she was most recently seen on stage in our production of Half a Sixpence in 2014.

Thank you Betty for all your years of service to the Society!

January 2017

DAODS Youth Group will be performing Carpe Jugulum 9th - 11th February at Heathfields Hall. 

Tickets are £8 and is a show not to be missed. Please call our box office on 0208 300 8148 

CARPE JUGULUM

Terry Pratchett 
Adapted for the stage by Stephen Briggs

The de Magpyrs are the sort of vampires that would have Count Dracula spinning in his grave: modern, forward-looking and no longer afraid of holy water, garlic, religious symbols or, indeed, of anything else.

This makes them very, very dangerous. Luckily for the Discworld, the three Lancre witches are on hand — and the battle is on!

December 2016

DAODS are pleased to offer a children's audition opportunity for their next show "Made in Dagenham" at the Orchard Theatre, Dartford in April 2017.

We are looking to cast:
One Girl  (Sharon O’Grady)   School Years 3 & 4 (under 4’ 8” in height)
One Boy  (Graham O’Grady)   School Years 5 & 6 (under 5’ in height)
 

Due to the fact that these roles are an integral part of the show and will sing and have dialogue; it is required that anyone wishing to audition, MUST PRE-REGISTER and are sent the “Audition Pack” containing the music and dialogue piece to prepare for the Audition on the 8th January 2017.

PLEASE CONTACT DAODSCOM@GMAIL.COM TO REGISTER YOUR PLACE AND RECEIVE YOUR AUDITION PACK 

November 2016

We're delighted to be able to confirm two exciting shows that we have lined up for 2018!

We will be presenting the all time classic West Side Story in April 2018 followed by the recently released Top Hat in October 2018.

Both shows are being performed at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford.

Look out for more information on these shows and our other activities in the coming months!

November 2016

Rita O’Grady:               Stephanie Trott

Eddie O’Grady:            Alex Freeman

Connie Riley:               Elisa Tebith Horne

Sandra Beaumont:     Abby James

Beryl:                            Michelle Wright

Clare:                            Emma Garthwaite

Cass:                             Sophie Guariglia-Smith

Mr Hopkins:                 Gavin Kirrage

Lisa Hopkins:               Amy Farlie

Monty:                          Uncast

Mr Tooley:                    Alex Tyrrell

Harold Wilson:            John Woodley

Barbara Castle:           Julia Bull

Cortina Person:           Tom Salter

Graham O’Grady:       TBC

Sharon: O’Grady:       TBC

Ensemble:                         

Lucy Ayley, James Barber, Dee Blackaby, Hayleigh Brampton, Eve Brown, Keely Brown, Louise Brown, Sarah Brunditt, Amy Cooper, Dave Cosh, Millie Davenport, Donna Dawson, Charlotte Day, Teona Falzon, Katy George, Emma Goodday, Tiffany Hanks-McComas, George Harvey, Keith Hills, Emily Jackson, Ellena Jones, Grace Kenny, Gemma Matthews, Sophia May, Sophie Nightingale, Emma Ramsay, Victoria Sinfield, Demi Squires, Annabelle Storey, Chloe Tidbury, Karen Tomkins, Terri Truckle, Franki Turner, Lily Turner, Richard Twyman, Heather Upton, Ella Walden, Annmarie Wilmot, Gerry Willson, Dawn Wood.

June 2016

Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) is in toe-tapping mood as it prepares for its next production.

Hot on the heels of their sell-out production of Sweeney Todd comes a play with an altogether different feeling. Stepping Out is the well-known comedy by Richard Harris that chronicles several months in the life of a beginners’ dance class and is being performed at Heathfields Hall, Heath Lane from 27th June – 2nd July.

The play is a firm favourite with amateur societies around the country and this should come as no surprise, says Director Fred Hall, given the themes that run through the show.

“Although at first glance it’s about a group of people struggling together to put on a show”, says Hall, “it’s also about how these people help each other overcome their own personal problems and ultimately it is the bonds they create that matter the most. I think that is what resonates with many theatre groups like ours.”

The show is also a nostalgic one for the society as it was the first ever show performed in their headquarters, Heathfields Hall.

“When we built the Hall in 1992 it completely changed what we were able to do. Not only did we have our own home where we could rehearse but it also meant we could put on shows basically whenever we wanted to. Stepping Out was the first show we performed and it quickly prompted changes in the Hall because at the time the audience were all seated in chairs on the floor. We had complaints that some people couldn’t see the performer’s feet so ever since then we have raked seating that we put out so everyone gets a good view!”

After Stepping Out DAODS return to their second home, Dartford’s Orchard Theatre for the Irving Berlin classic Annie Get Your Gun in October this year.

Stepping Out is being performed at Heathfields Hall, Heath Lane, Dartford from 27th June – 2nd July .

Tickets: 0208 300 8148

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

Editor’s notes:

• DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907

• Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes

• Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver - Sherlock/Fleming/Gypsy; Thornhill - From Here To Eternity/Chicago/Matilda)

May 2016

DAODS are delighted to announce the cast for our upcoming show Annie Get Your Gun!

As always the standard at auditions was exceptionally high and we are very excited to be bringing this talented cast to the Orchard Theatre from 5th – 8th October this year.

Tickets are on sale now from orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000!

Lots more information to come about this and our other shows so watch this space!

Cast List

Annie Oakley:                  Abby James

Frank Butler:                    Paul Farlie

Buffalo Bill Cody:            John Woodley

Winnie Tate:                    Ellena Jones

Tommy Keeler:               Webster Bryans

Dolly Tate:                       Heather Upton

Foster Wilson:                Terry Morris

Charlie Davenport:        Michael Scott

Chief Sitting Bull:           Dave Cosh

Cowboy Trio:                  (1) Alex Freeman, (2) Lee Cogger, (3) TBA

Ensemble:           

Dionne Blackaby, Helena Booer, Hayleigh Brampton, Lisa Brooks, Eve Brown, Keely Brown, Sarah Brundritt, Julia Bull, Lee Cogger, Dave Cosh, Joanna Dennis, Donna Dawson, Charlotte Day, Alex Freeman, Maxine Gamble-Beresford, Emma Goodday, Fred Hall, George Harvey, Rebecca Hills, Katie Hutton, Grace Kenny, Gemma Matthews, Melissa May, Sophia May, Rebecca Mitchell, Mary Phillips, Carey-Jane Ramsay, Emma Ramsay, Michael Scott, Vicki Sinfield, Jill Taylor, Karen Tomkins, Terri Truckle, Francesca Turner, Richard Twyman, Ella Walden, Gerry Willson, Annmarie Wilmot, Dawn Wood.

April 2016

Dartford Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (DAODS) is in celebratory mood after selling out its forthcoming production fully two weeks before opening night.

The last few months have seen the society tackling one of the most gruesome shows in the musical theatre repertoire. Sweeney Todd, Stephen Sondheim’s darkly comic masterpiece, is being performed by DAODS for the first time in its history at Heathfields Hall, Heath Lane from 12th – 16th April.

Set in 19th century London, the musical details the return of barber Sweeney Todd after 15 years of exile, his heart set on taking revenge on the corrupt judge who banished him. He conspires with a local baker, Mrs Lovett, who is in desperate need of fresh meat for her pies…

The cast and production team have been working hard to get to grips with the intricate harmonies and lyrics in Sondheim’s score, as well as the technical challenges of a show with a high body count.

“It’s certainly a departure from our last show, Boogie Nights,” says Laura Gillham, the show’s director and choreographer. “We’ve worked hard to try to create a very intense atmosphere for the audience, and that’s been helped by having some really strong performances as well as a cast of over 40 people!”

The cast have received a boost knowing that they will play to full houses every night, and DAODS will be hoping to repeat this achievement in October when it returns to Dartford’s Orchard Theatre for Annie Get Your Gun.

The society is always on the lookout for new people to join both as performers and backstage. If you are keen to perform in Annie Get Your Gun or are interested in becoming involved in any other way, you can email daodscom@gmail.com.

For more information on this release or DAODS, email patwalsh100@hotmail.co.uk or call 07984 863642.

Editor’s notes:

• DAODS was formed in 1906 when three residents decided to form a local operatic society to offset ‘the perceived lack of facilities for entertainment’ in Dartford. A newspaper advert sought ‘gentlemen and young ladies with good voices and good figures’. The group’s first show, performed in Conservative Hall in Spital Street, was The Mikado in April 1907

• Comprising a large cross-section of the community from Dartford and beyond, DAODS’ members range from the youth group, which starts at nine years old, to the group’s oldest member, aged 70-plus. The society has more than 170 members plus a subsidiary, the Good Companions Singing Group, which visits local organisations such as nursing homes

• Former DAODS stars, including Lara Pulver and Rebecca Thornhill, have won Olivier Awards and appeared on primetime television and the West End (Pulver - Sherlock/Fleming/Gypsy; Thornhill - From Here To Eternity/Chicago/Matilda)

November 2015

We are very excited to announce our April 2017 show, which will be back at the Orchard Theatre...

"MADE IN DAGENHAM"

Inspired by a true story and based on the hit movie, Made in Dagenham is the uplifting new British musical comedy about friendship, love and the importance of fighting for what is right.

Essex 1968. Like millions of other working women, each morning Rita O’Grady is just trying to get her husband out of bed, get the kids off to school and get to work at the factory on time. But life is about to change forever when it’s announced that the girls in the stitching room of Ford’s Dagenham car plant will have their pay grade dropped to ‘unskilled’. Quickly drawing on a strength she never knew she had, Rita leads her friends in a battle against the might of Ford and the corruption of the Union supposed to protect them. As the girls’ inspiring journey gets bigger than anyone could have imagined, the pressure is too much for some, but can Rita keep up the fight and the happy home she’s worked so hard for?

Funny, touching and timeless, Made in Dagenham shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they stand together

November 2015

Sweeney Todd:    Alex Freeman

Mrs Lovett:            Stephanie Trott

Anthony:                Owen Kerry

Johanna:                Holly Boyer

Judge Turpin:      John Woodley

Beadle:                  Michael Scott

Pirelli:                     Alex Tyrrell

Beggar Woman:  Gemma Matthews

Fogg:                      James Barber

Tobias:                   Sam Richards

Male Soloists: Patrick Walsh, Paul Farlie, Dave Kerry, Michael Scott, James Barber

Female Soloists: Michelle Wright, Katy George, Emma Ramsay, Franki Turner

Ballad of Sweeney Todd (12c): Paul Farlie, Patrick Walsh, Louise Brown

Letter Quintet (22a): Katy George, Michelle Wright, Paul Farlie, Patrick Walsh, Dave Kerry

Male Ensemble: Patrick Walsh, Paul Farlie, Dave Kerry, Michael Scott, James Barber, Paul McManus, Lee Cogger, Jake Blackaby, Dave Cosh

Female Ensemble: Michelle Wright, Katy George, Emma Ramsay, Franki Turner, Melissa May, Abigail James, Sophie Nightingale, Laura East, Ellena Jones, Emma Goodday, Lisa Brooks, Sophia May, Heather Upton, Dionne Blackaby, Annabelle Storey, Vicki Sinfield, Emily Jackson, Ellie Smith, Chloe Kenny, Grace Kenny, Ella Piper, Jo Dennis, Dawn Wood, Louise Brown, Gerry Willson, Alex Campbell, Carey-Jane Ramsay, Rebecca Mitchell, Rebecca Hills, Terri Truckle.

October 2015

Audition Date: Sunday 1st November 2015 Location: Heathfields Hall, Dartford

Tobias – Age Range: Year 7- Year 11

Experienced young actor, confident singer for solos and duets Extensive dialogue throughout the show.

A simple, kind-hearted lad. He works first for Pirelli, then for Mrs. Lovett, but never trusts Todd. Toby is Pirelli’s longtime servant, a boy that is loyal to his employer despite having not been treated well by him for years.

Toby seems to find in Mrs. Lovett the maternal affection he’s never had in his life, and he is deeply devoted to her

Due to the fact that this role is an integral part of the show and will sing and have dialogue; it is required that anyone wishing to audition, MUST PRE-REGISTER and are sent the “Audition Pack” containing the music and dialogue piece to prepare for the Audition on the 1st November.

PLEASE CONTACT SAMMIEJM@AOL.COM to REGISTER YOUR PLACE AND RECEIVE YOUR AUDITION PACK

Because of the nature and layout of the audition day, we regret to advise that no child will be allowed to audition if they turn up on the day without receiving the Audition Pack or Registering.

Performance Dates: Tuesday 12th - Saturday 16th April 2016

October 2015

DAODS have just finished a run at the Orchard Theatre with their 70's Musical, Boogie Nights. What a reaction we got from the audiences every night... and here are some reviews we received over the week.

Sardines Magazine: http://goo.gl/riIjrV

Dartford Living: 

"Boogie Nights The Musical at The Orchard Theatre - review by Kelly Goldsworthy.

Dartford Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society (DAODS) need to change their name. There is nothing amateur about this production! The acting, singing, dancing, set and lighting are as good as any I've seen at The Orchard this year.

Boogie Nights is the story of Jack the Lad, Roddy and girlfriend Debs. He is a flawed character, who could be quite dislikeable, but is played by such a great actor (Paul Fairlie) that the audience are enchanted.

Stephanie Trott is a revelation as Debs, with a beautiful voice. Special mention must go to the amazing comic actor, Alex Freeman as Terry. But as always with DAODS it is the ensemble that stand out. The group scenes are brilliant. It is clear all the cast are having a great time, as were the audience.

Songs range from YMCA to Enough is Enough to Disco Inferno so it is inevitable people are quickly singing along. I defy anyone to leave The Orchard after watching this not feeling good. With comedy, drama and great songs this is a great night out. Don't miss it!"

Thank you to everyone who came to watch this show, your support has been amazing.

September 2015

We can now announce all the dates for our 2016 shows.

Jack & The Beanstalk

Friday 22nd - Sunday 24th January 2016, Thursday 28th - Saturday 30th January 2016 at Heathfields Hall.

Sweeney Todd

W/C 11th April at Heathfields Hall.

Stepping Out

Monday 27th June - Saturday 2nd July 2016 at Heathfields Hall.

Annie Get Your Gun

W/C 3rd October at the Orchard Theatre.

More details can be found on Our Shows page

May 2015

After a fab set of auditions, here is the cast list for our production of Boogie Nights - The Musical.

Roddy: Paul Farlie

Terry: Alex Freeman

Dean: Michael Scott

Spencer: Uncast

Eamon: John Woodley

Debs: Stephanie Trott

Trish: Laura East

Lorraine: Katy George

Bar Girls: Ellie Beaumont, Laura Gillham, Sophie Guariglia, Chloe Kenny,

Melissa May, Sophia May, Becca Mitchell, Terri Truckle,

Sam Mason (Dance Captain)

Bar Manager: Larissa Webb - to also sing “Starship Trooper”

Baz the Bouncer: Karen Tomkins

Goz the Doorman: Keely Brown

Mandy 1: Kate Drakard

Mandy 2: Maxine Gamble-Beresford

Mandy 3: Emma Ramsay

Mandy 4: Angelique Medhurst

Cinema Manager: Donna Dawson

Radio DJ: Dave Hughes

Pre Show/Interval DJ: Daniel Fairbrass

Dancers: Dionne Blackaby, Teona Falzon, Karen Farlie, Katie Hutton, Ailbhe Joyce,

Grace Kenny, Gemma Matthews, Ella Piper, Jill Taylor, Franki Turner,

Larissa Webb, Michelle Wright

Female Ensemble/Chorus: Holly Boyer, Lisa Brooks, Keely Brown, Louise Brown, Donna Dawson,

Kate Drakard, Maxine Gamble-Beresford, Angelique Medhurst,

Emma Ramsay, Elisa Tebith, Karen Tomkins, Heather Upton, Dawn Wood

Male Ensemble/Chorus: Dave Cosh, Daniel Fairbrass, Dave Hughes, Gavin Kirrage,

James Lockwood, Richard Twyman, Alex Tyrrell, Patrick Walsh

April 2015

Sardines came to see Hot Mikado this week and their review has just come out.

Click here to read

March 2015

DAODS have announced their shows for 2016.

In April, we are tackling Sondheim’s Sweeny Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. In October, we are back at the Orchard Theatre with Annie Get Your Gun.

More details on both shows to follow soon.

If you want to join in, please check out our Membership page here for details on how to join.

February 2015

The cast of DAODS' first ever panto organised a performance to perform to the children and the families supported by the Demelza Hospice care. A fundraiser for Demelza, Sam Blanking, who is invovled in DAODS wanted to raise money so that the families could come and see a performance of Sleeping Beauty.

She, along with help from DAODS, were able to acheive this and had a private performance just for the children and their families.

It was a wonderful afternoon and it made the cast's performance even more special when they could see the smiling faces before them.

Thank you to Sam and to the Demelza charity for helping to organise this event, it truly meant a lot to us to meet such special and wonderful people.

July 2014

We are now able to announce that our next main production will be HOT MIKADO. With jazzed up versions of the original Gilbert & Sullivan tunes, this show is a true classic. The show will take place in April at our Heathfields Hall performance venue. 

For information on how to join in visit our membership page here.

July 2014

We had a fantastic time at Dartford Festival. This year we were there with facepainting, a dressing-up photobooth and information about our upcoming shows and the society. We had a brilliant time talking to local people about what we do and we even raised a small amount of money for the society through the hard work of our members who gave up their time to help. We also had a visit from our Mayor and members of Kent Police who were more than happy to join in the fun in our photobooth!

If you would like DAODS to attend one of your events, contact us here.

June 2014

We are delighted to announce that our production of Whistle Down The Wind has been nominated for the NODA prize for Chorus Work! We often have large casts in our shows and our chorus members work extremely hard to make our shows as professional as they are. Congratulations to the cast and creative time behind the show for their achievement!

See more pictures from the production here.

April 2014

The cast for our next production Half A Sixpence has been announced and it includes some well known faces as well as some newer members stepping up to take the lead for the first time. This cast is also one of the largest we have had in a long time and we are so proud to be returning to The Orchard Theatre with such a strong group. 

Kipps - Paul Farlie

Ann - Laura East

Sid -  Pat Walsh

Buggins -  James Lockwood

Pearce - Daniel Fairbrass

Kate -  Laura Gillham

Flo -  Emily Balmer

Victoria -  Gemma Matthews

Helen -   Katy George

Young Walsingham -  Alex Tyrrell

Chitterlow - Dave Hughes

Mrs Walsingham - Michelle Wright

Shalford - Gavin Kirrage

Laura - Gemma Reeks

Chorus

James Barber, Holly Boyer, Ellie Beaumont, Lizzie Britchfield, Keely Brown, Louise Brown, Julia Bull, Lysette Camp, Alexandra Campbell, Amy Cooper, Dave Cosh, Jo Dennis, Teona Falzon, Holly Foster, Maxine Gamble-Beresford, Emma Garthwaite, Daisy Gregg, Fred Hall, Tiffany Hanks-McComas, Martin Hutchinson, Katie Hutton, Ailbhe Joyce, Sarah Kearley, Betty Knott, Becca Mitchell, Sophie Nightingale, Daisie Nolan, Emma Ramsay, Karen Tompkins, Richard Twyman, Heather Upton, Gerry Willson, Annmarie Wilmot, Dawn Wood, Donna Dawson, Terry Morris, John Woodley.

March 2014

DAODS are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as one of the Mayor of Dartford's chosen charities for 2014. It is a huge honour to be selected as one of a number of good causes and fantastic charities. The Mayor's Charities receive increased support from the Mayor's Office and the council in achieving and promoting what they do. We hope this partnership will prove fruitful for both sides and we are also hope this will open up opportunities for us to work with some of the other chosen charities.

4th November 2013

On Sunday 3rd November, the members of DAODS wowed the panel with some incredible auditions. After a tough decision we are happy to announce the below cast list.

The “Man” - Gavin Kirrage

Swallow - Ally Retberg

Amos - Alex Tyrrell

Candy - Lydia Bredon - Thorpe

Boone - Daniel Cox

Edward - Patrick Walsh

Earl - Michelle Wright

Preacher - Richard Twyman

Minister - Jamie Brown

Sheriff - Dave Cosh

Duet Singer in “Cold” - John Worthy

Vaults of Heaven Soloist - Daisie Nolan

Tyre Track Dancers: Annmarie Wilmot & Richard Twyman, Rebecca Mitchell & James Lockwood

Additional Dancers: Daisie Nolan

Chorus: Gerry Willson, Liz Thompson, Dave Cosh, Keely Brown, Jodie Quilter, Emma Ramsey, Tracy Knapp, Holly Bowyer, Gemma Reeks, Julia Bull, Jo Dennis, Dawn Wood, Betty Knott, Gemma Matthews, Jamie Brown, Carey Ramsey, Louise Brown, Rachel Washbourn.

29th October 2013

DAODS is happy to announce that we will be presenting a cheque to the EllenorLions Hospice on Tuesday 5th November. DAODS raised the money during their production of Calendar Girls, which raised £650 for the charity.

DAODS was happy to get involved in such a worthy cause and we hope to work with EllenorLions again in the future.