Welcome to CADS
Clacton Amateur Dramatic Society is a registered charity governed by the Charities Commission, 100% voluntary and is run by a Management Committee. All the profit that is made from our productions is reinvested in the society to produce further plays and maintain our headquarters.
The Society performs plays to the public by members which include children, teenagers and adults of mixed abilities, gender and ability.
CADS would not be possible without the dedication of all the members who contribute and support in whatever way they can, whether that be performing, building sets, making costumes, marketing, directing, and many other things!
Everyone involved pays a yearly membership fee and our aim is to provide a high quality standard of plays for our audiences to enjoy.
Next Production
This atmospheric stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, full of diverse characters and memorable ensemble moments, tells the story of young Jim Hawkins who stumbles into a world of pirates, mutiny and buried gold after coming into possession of a mysterious map in his family’s inn. Joined by the principled Dr.Livesey, the blustering Squire Trelawney, and the no-nonsense Captain Smollett, Jim embarks on a perilous voyage aboard the Hispaniola. But all is not what it seems: the ship’s cook, Long John Silver harbours treacherous ambitions, and the crew has mutiny in its bones. As loyalties are tested and danger closes in, Jim must find the courage to chart his own course, facing the seductive promise of gold and the violent cost of survival.
We are very fortunate that we have the luxury of putting on our productions at the wonderful West Cliff Theatre in Clacton-on-Sea, and we are continually grateful for the unwavering support of the Theatre Trust and Friends.
CADS belong to NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) which was founded in 1899 and is the main representative body for amateur theatre in the UK, supporting local groups like ours in a number of different ways to achieve the highest standard of production. NODA operates through 11 regional councils and CADS, who have been a member for many years, is in the Eastern region. Here in the East, NODA has over 280 members competing to be the best, and the “friendly” competition makes sure we are kept on our toes as each year we strive to win our own local “awards”.
CADS are also members of the North Essex Theatre Guild (NETG).
Our Awards
We are proud to confirm that CADS has received numerous nominations and has been the lucky winners of several awards over the years:
- 2024 – The Ladykillers – NODA Best Drama – East Region District 11
- 2023 – Frankenstein – Best Technical
- 2022 – One Man Two Guvnors – Best Drama
- 2020 / 2021 – Brassed Off – Best Drama and Best Basic Programme