Act One is Cardiff’s largest drama society.
Every year we put on several productions, all ranging in a variety of genres, and also host our award-winning annual night of original writing - Staging a Coup! If you enjoy acting, dancing, singing, socialising, or are interested in helping backstage with costumes, make-up, set design, publicity, stage management, sound or lighting, then we are the society for you!
Previously winner of 'Best Large Society' for three years in a row, we have a reputation for our friendly atmosphere, impressive productions, imaginative socials (including our annual abroad/domestic trip), and the Act One Ball! We also run smaller-scale productions, workshops and open mic nights. So if you're a fresher and want to direct - or if you don’t get cast in a main production - there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved.
Last year, we delivered a vast range of events and shows for all our members both in-person and in the virtual sphere of Zoom. This year, however, we're returning to the stage in the flesh!
Want to get in touch?
If you are interested in joining Act One or have any questions please contact a member of the Committee through Facebook, or send a message to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ActOneDramaSociety
You can also keep up to date with our current events on our Facebook group: ACT ONE 2021/22: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1136517136869583
N.B. If you are not a Cardiff University student and wish to purchase a ticket for one of our productions you can do so by creating a 'temporary account'.
Get Involved!
We have multiple performances this year for you to get involved with including an original pantomime, a variety night, and a beloved Shakespeare comedy. Take a look at what we've got on offer below!
There's something for everyone - so come along to our auditions and/or crew sign-ups when they arrive.
ACT ONE PRESENTS:
WINTER SHOW SEASON
PANTO: The Yellow Brick Road
Directors: Jasmine Mahesan & Joe Lloyd-Perks
Production Manager: Sian Howells
DATE: Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th December
We’ve got wicked witches and a wonderful wizard, a flying broomstick and ruby slippers, characters that are out of this world, and poor little Dorothy, a lost, young girl. After a tornado tears through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog Toto are whisked away to the magical and mystical land of Oz. Along their journey to return home they encounter new friends and make terrible enemies. Through laughs and tears, and screams and cheers, Dorothy’s adventure is full of ups and downs. Will Dorothy and Toto ever make it back home? Or will they be trapped in Oz forever? One thing is for certain, and that is…to follow the yellow brick road.
VARIETY NIGHT: A Celebration of Women in Theatre
Director: Georgette Orford
Production Manager: Vicki Merker
Musical Directors: Max Markham & Sam Gavin-Pitt
DATE: Saturday 19th February - 2:30PM & 7PM
Variety Night returns for a fourth year with A Celebration of Women in Theatre - a night showcasing amazing women and allies who have contributed to theatre and fought for their place on the stage worldwide.
Raising money for ROSA: a UK fund for women and girls, we’ll be showcasing musical, acting and comedic performances embodying stories of multifaceted women: killers, lovers, dreamers, grafters, villains, broken and victorious.
Our Variety Night will highlight Act One's core values of inclusion and acceptance by demonstrating what we do best with an unmissable show!
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Directors: Kirsty Richards & Alicia Pearson
Production Manager: Euan Prout
DATE: Thursday 17th - Saturday 19th March
For the OG of enemies to lovers, look no further than Much Ado About Nothing.
Forget Johnny and Baby, Caroline and Klaus, Jon Snow and Ygraine – Shakespeare had the supreme power couple of Benedick and Beatrice. So come watch our groovy 80s interpretation of this beloved classic. This time, we won’t be confined by gender, so this adaptation is flexible and easy-going with some classic 80s tunes thrown in the mix.
What better way to welcome back theatre than watching this fantastic romantic comedy brought to life?
SPRING SHOW SEASON
39 STEPS
Director: Jasmine Mahesan
Production Manager: Meg Shergold
DATE: Thursday 28th - Saturday 30th April
Four actors, espionage, and too many quick changes: we present you The 39 Steps! Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python, and you have our production! Prepare to follow the journey of our one Richard Hannay as he becomes romantically entangled in our very own fast-paced whodunit.
TWISTED
Director: Sian Howells
Production Manager: Euan Prout
Musical Directors: Jessica Wray & Adam Evans
DATE: Thursday 12th - Saturday 14th May
At long last – Act One musicals are BACK! This musical parody retells the classic tale of Aladdin...from the villain's point of view! Long ago in a Magic Kingdom, one misunderstood Royal Vizier must embark on a quest to save his city from its bumbling sultan, an invading prince, and the most notorious thief to ever live! With the help of the Kingdom's free-spirited, teenage Princess, the Vizier must find a magical lamp containing a wish-granting Djinn (who's really funny, by the way) and defeat the city's most-wanted criminal...Aladdin! This musical adventure celebrates and lovingly pokes fun at everyone's favourite series of hand-drawn, animated films, with some of the best show tunes around. Come get involved in Twisted!
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