BACKGROUND: Centenary Drama Group was formed in 1969 as part of Centenary chapel’s youth club. Over the years the group has developed into a society of all ages. It has performed 40 pantomimes and a variety of other shows. In 1999 adult members of the group performed their first farce ‘Move over Mrs. Markham!’ and in 2000 ‘CD Kids’, a young members group, was formed and performed their first children’s’ musical ‘Alice – the Musical’. The group have had many successes in the Cornwall Drama Association awards with achievements in ‘Best Shows’, ‘Best Actor’, ‘Best Supporting Actor’, ‘Best Actress’ categories. In 2008 the group became a registered charity in order to access funds from a range of sources.
CD KIDS: Due to the increase in popular demand, in Year 2000 ‘CD Kids’ was established. Once formed the group performed a fantastic version of Alice – The Musical. This show demonstrated the amazing ‘up & coming’ talent that we have in the group. CD Kids have male and female stars whose ages range from 7 to 16. In July 2001 the group performed their first variety show ‘Traveling Stars’. This feast of music included songs from; Joseph & The Technicolor Dream-coat, Oliver, Grease, Little shop of Horrors, Blues Brothers, and Annie. The standard of the performances was so high that on on Saturday 12th November 2001 Cornwall Drama Association presented the ‘John Walton Special Youth Trophy’ for the CD Kids production. This is the first time that the award had been given to a children’s group, but the association felt that CD Kids did such a wonderful job in ‘Traveling Stars’ that they deserved an award. This trophy highlights the fact that the youth group have a lot of talent.
LOCATION: Performances originally were performed at Centenary Chapel, which moved to Tuckingmill Sports Pavilion, Camborne early 1990’s, moved to Duchy College, Rosewarne for a few years and now resides at ‘The Avalon Theatre, Cornwall College. This new venue has a larger comfortable seating capacity, improved changing facilities, and many other facilities making the productions professional, enjoyable and more flexible for different types of show the group performs.
SOCIAL ASPECTS: The group have numerous social gatherings throughout the year where members and their friends and families get together and enjoy events such as B-B-Q’s, quizzes, banquets and parties.
FUND RAISING: The drama group raises all of its money through ticket sales, sponsorship and fund raising activities. These include tombola’s, jumble sales, Easter fete’s and sponsored walks. The group can be seen raising money at Trevithick Day, Murdoch Day & Maisy Day on an annual basis.
