Healthcare Drama Society
Cardiff Healthcare Drama Society is the University's most accessability-focused drama society. We are open to students from all degrees (not just Healthcare!) and aim to provide a place to produce performances as high quality as possible without too much of an increased burden on studies.
HDS is a platinum tier and award-winning society (Small Society of the Year 2022, Small Event of the Year 2024 and 2025). We welcome anyone doing any course and have worked with people with all levels of experience (from seasoned performers to people who've never set foot onstage). We are excited to offer a wide range of projects for anyone interested in the performing arts and backstage/production/crew work.
Recent Shows
In the recent years, Healthcare Drama Society has put on a range of projects and shows including licensed musicals and shows, like The Addams Family Musical (2023), Blood Brothers, Play Version (2024) and The Guy Who Didn't Like Musicals (2025). We also perform many original works, plays and full scale original musicals. Previous original HDS productions include (but are not limited to): Cupid Kills (2025) Back to the Suture (2024), Met By Moonlight (2023), Cathays Anatomy (2022), The Observatory (2021), Book of Medicine (2020), and A Bedside Story (2019).
2025/26 Show Season
This year we will be offering the opportunity to get involved in the following incredible projects:
Into Twinkletopia: A New Musical
March 2026
Into Twinkletopia is a brand new original musical comedy written by members of HDS. Our protaginist Moira is tired of being the disappointment of her family. She flees her grandma’s birthday when a freak magical storm transports her into Twinkletopia, a mystical, magical, musical world where everyone receives their own prophecy when they come of age. Embarking on a journey to find her way home, she meets many interesting characters, makes new friends, and begins to suspect that these prophecies are not quite what they seem… In this original musical comedy, will Moira find her way home or uncover more than she bargained for?
The Castle of an Alto
30th April - 2nd May 2026
The Castle of an Alto is the first ever musical adaption of The Castle of Otranto, the original gothic horror novel. We follow Manfred, the titular alto, as he desperatly tries to outrun the prophecy that has been haunting his bloodline for generations... by making the worst possible choice at every opportunity. In this horror-comedy that combines the terror of 18th century gothic writing with the synth of 80s gothic music, there will be ghosts, dancing, curses, romance, and hopefully a good deal of fear.
Auditions, Musicians, Decisions
Both shows will be auditioning for performers in early October, so keep an eye on our social media! We encourage people interested in backstage roles such as set and costume design to please get in touch. Our musicals also require a live band so if you're a musician, please contact us if you would love to get involved. Casting, Band, and Crew decisions typically get emailed within one to three weeks. We usually rehearse at the Students Union and meet 1-3 times a week depending on the schedule.
Get In Touch
As well as these projects we will be running some fun, exciting and inclusive socials such as Taf Mic Nights, Workshops and the Bi-annual Tour (which you can see on our instagram!). If you are interested in joining us or have any questions please contact us through our instagram or drop a message in our email!
Committee
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Upcoming Events