Diamond Gems

Sixty years ago, in 1965, village stalwart Sybil Stephenson gathered some friends together and put on a production of the comedy, 'Quiet Wedding', in the URC hall in Twyford. This led to the creation of Twyford & Ruscombe Theatre Group, the main aim of which was to provide staged entertainment for the local region.

The group has, since then, provided regular shows in the form of pantomimes (from 'Dragon’s Egg' to 'Cinderella'); comedy ('Noises Off' and ‘'Allo 'Allo'); murder mystery ('Rope' and 'Time to Kill') and drama ('Lady Windermere’s Fan' and the recent 'Blithe Spirit'), as well as productions by a variety playwrights - from Shakespeare to Terry Pratchett.

We rehearsed, built sets, created props  and stored costumes in the Polehampton Old Boys’ School (now converted to Twyford’s new library) for more than fifty years. Now known as Twyford Drama, our new home is at Loddon Hall (where we have staged our productions ever since the early days). This year Twyford Drama is proudly celebrating its Diamond Anniversary.

Consequently, our October production in 2025, ‘Diamond Gems’' will not be a single play. We will instead be decorating the hall and transforming it to a cabaret-style layout with tables for four to six people, and inclusive tickets that will provide every audience member with entertainment, refreshments and a souvenir programme.

In recent years Twyford Drama has formed a play-writing group and five of their diamond-themed short plays will be performed, along with some other well-known drama and musical items of song and dance, with live music accompaniment and an MC to lead you from one act to the next.

Jocelyn Robinson, one of our very experienced members will be organising the overall programme of performances, as well as directing one of the plays. The whole event will involve a large number of local people pulling out all the stops to bring to you a show to remember- a sparkling cocktail of song, dance and drama.

There will be three performances – two evening events and also a matinee with tea and cakes. So put October 10th or 11th in your diaries and come and join us for our special celebration at 8pm on 10th, and 2pm and 8pm on 11th.