About MDS

MDS has been presenting high quality theatre and musical plays,
to a professional standard, for the people of Mortimer
for over 50 years.

 

How To Get To Us

 

Click Here For A Map

 

Mortimer is situated 9 miles from Junction 11 of the M4 Motorway and approximately 11 miles from Junction 6 of the M3

MDS perfom in St John's Hall, which is situated on West End Road, in the centre of the village. The full address of the Hall is :

The Village Hall, 22 West End Road, Mortimer Common, READING, RG7 3TF

 

There is limited car parking available directly in front of the hall, however the village car park, FREE, is just across the road (next to the fire station).

 

 

Fifty Years of MDS

Founded in September 1950, MDS staged its first production on the 12th-13th January 1951; "Painted Sparrows" by Guy Paxton & Edward V. Hoile. Tickets were 1s/6d unreserved but half-a-crown and 3s/6d reserved (7.5p, 12.5p and 17.5p in today's money)...but of course you get cushioned seats nowadays!

After three productions, MDS was able to give 62 to charity, so obviously they were popular with local audiences right from the start. High performance standards and community involvement are criteria in which MDS continues to take pride. In 1953 "Worms Eye View" was performed in aid of Coronation funds. Village events have been regularly supported and in 1977 MDS portrayed Noah's Ark in the Silver Jubilee Procession.

Usually staging three performances each year MDS has about 40 members, roughly divided into thirds - actors, production crew and administration. We have seven current Life Members; life membership is awarded to members who have given consistent and exceptional service and support to The Society for many years. Over the last 15 years six members have progressed to become full Equity members performing in professional regional theatres and the West End.

More Than Just The Actors

Of course it takes more than just acting members to create the magic of theatre. For every actor who appears on stage there is an army of unseen people, just as talented and just as creative, who also get just as much fun out of a production as those "Luvvie, Artistes types". Find out if you would like to join in and contribute your talent to making our shows a night out to remember.

Backstage Crew