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ICADS (formerly known as Chaldon Players)

Chaldon Players was first inaugurated in May 1932 at a meeting in the Village Hall with the Rector (the Rev. Rupert Williams) in the chair.  It was the Society’s intention to run at least two plays each season, on in the autumn and one in the spring and this still stands today.

Their first event was a “Social Evening” with nearly 100 people present.  Both Mr. G. Davis and Mr. A. Stowell gave monologues, a double turn by Miss Webb and Mr. Liddell was much appreciated and Mrs. Campbell Smith charmed the audience with her songs.

The Chaldon Players were eventually wound up and it was not until 1972 that Ron and Peggy Connor moved into Chaldon and, realising that there was no Amateur Dramatic Society, set up CADS.  A Committee was formed under the Chairmanship of Dennys Stephenson with Bill Aldrich as Chairman. Amongst the original Patrons who supported the Society was Miss Eleanor Marshall, who still lives in the area.

The first production was Wanted – One Body, performed in May 1973 and the cast included Mary Dodwell, Liz Hall (who is still acting and is the present day Chairman), John Hall, Diana Hanbury, Ron Connor, Jack Speyer, Shirley Dawson, Bob Jenkins and Andy Bond.

CADS also entered various festivals, with some success, including Best Actress Award for Jenny Bond, Best Set Award on various occasions and even going through to the Fairfield Halls.

In 1990 it was decided that CADS should put on a pantomime.  At that time CADS were running a Junior Section and these talented youngsters were at once swept into the productions.  This turned out to be such a success that it was decided to hold one every second year which would take the place of an Autumn Production.

Unfortunately, as with a lot of Societies, our members now have less time to devote to productions and, sadly, our Junior Section was disbanded, but we still manage to produce at least on play and one entertainment a year.  We also hold Green Room Meetings once a month which can take to form of theatre outings, skittles, play readings, walks, barbeques etc.

The Aims and Objects of the original Chaldon Players were to be the study and performance of plays and to foster an interest in the art of drama.  This is still the case with CADS and as a still thriving Society we always encourage and welcome new members.