TADS - Archive 1894-1938

The Society's early productions were staged at the Town Hall which was located near the bottom of Forest Road on the southern side.
It was known that plays were performed there until the beginning of WW II but nobody knew when the Society was first established.

Acknowledgements

Much of our archive material was scanned from the Society's scrapbook which has been kept by Linda Bennett and further scripts and
programmes were loaned to Peter Willis by Margaret Dean (nee Hughes) who appeared in many productions during the 1950s.
The original material dated back to 23rd February 1949 but more recently, a programme which cost 2D (two old pennies) together
with a press photo for "The Rotters" has been provided by Sheila Hatherley from Australia.

Cheshire Archives Research in 2020

By 2020, it was evident that TADS was approaching its centenary. An initial search by Linda Bennett found reference to a 1926 production
of "Nothing but the Truth" which was produced in aid of the Eaton Village Institute building fund.
Tom Kenny then commissioned a search of the Cheshire Archives with reference to "Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society" in local
newspapers. The results surprised everybody - read more below

Click on an image to open a larger picture
If you experience a problem with any of the links or if you can fill any of the gaps
please email me at tarporleyads@btinternet.com

Scrapbooks :- the Victory Hall Years 1949-63 / the early Community Centre Years 1964-90 . . or . . see the modern Scrapbook

November 1938 - The Rotters - by H F Maltby
Produced by Mrs W E Cluett
The Rotters was staged at Tarporley Town Hall and from the dates of the performances (Wednesday and Thursday,
Nov 23rd and 24th) the year was most probably 1938

Early History of TADS - Cheshire Archives

The search of the Cheshire Archives which was commissioned by Tom Kenny in 2020 produced surpring results :

"The earliest reference to the Society in the online newspaper indexes dates from the Cheshire Observer of Saturday 28 April 1894, which reported that “On Wednesday the members of the Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society made their debut
in the Town Hall”, suggesting that they may have been formed earlier than had generally been believed. However, another report from 1922 indicates that a new society with the same name was formed in that year, giving their first performance
on 4 January 1923."

"Copies of nine articles mentioning the Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society from the Cheshire Observer and Chester Courant between 1894 and 1931 are enclosed. It would seem that there were two organisations with that name, one (probably shortlived), was formed in 1894, and gave its premiere performances of “A Curious Dilemma” and “My Lord in Livery”, on 25 April that year.
The second (and presumably current) incarnation was formed in 1922, and the company made its debut with “No Servants” and“Chiselling” at Tarporley Town Hall on 4 January 1923."

It is interesting to note the journalistic styles of a century ago. especially when the ladies were referred to using their husband's Christian names. How things have changed !

(Unfortunately, due to the age of the newsprint, the original scans are of mixed quality, so in some cases the text has been reproduced).

Cheshire Observer, 28 Apr 1894, page 3, column 2. -- 1894 debut in Town Hall

TARPORLEY
Amateur Dramatic Society -- On Wednesday the members of the Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society made their debut in the Town Hall. The large and thoroughly appreciative audience heartily enjoyed the performance of "A Curious Dilemma" and "My Lord in Livery," which were given under the direction and management of Mr. Grocutt. The artistically arranged stage, with suitable scenery for each piece, and the charming and large variety of dresses, were much admired. In the first piece Mr J. J. Dainemade a capital Dr. Glanbersalt. Mr. S. E. Cowap, as Mr. Mixum, the doctor's nephew and assistant, raised the excitement of the audience to see how he was to get out of his curious dilemma caused by his wife, Grace Mixum (Mrs, S, E, Cowap who acted exceedingly well) coming to him before he told his uncle....

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Chester Courant, 14 Nov 1894, page 8, column 4 (identically-worded report also appeared
in the Cheshire Observer 17 Nov 1894) -- Further performance in Town Hall

Cheshire Observer, 15 Apr 1922, page 9, column 3 -- Report of meeting to reform the Society

AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY -- There has been discussion in Tarporley for some time of forming an amateur dramatic society, and Mrs. Wallace Cluett recently invited those likely to be interested to a meeting in the Council Chamber, to talk the matter over. This meeting was held on Monday evening and the following officers and committee were elected by secret ballot :- Director, Mr. R. Bell; musical director, Mr. H. C. Yates; joint secretaries and treasurers, Mrs. W. Cluett and Mrs. D. Clarke; stage manager, Mr. W. Cluett; committee, Mrs. Goulding, Mrs. Cumming, Miss Haines, Mr. Hughes, Mr. D. Clarke and the Rev. R. B. Stewart.

Cheshire Observer, 23 Dec 1922, page 8, column 6 – notice of “first public bow”

Tarporley
DRAMATIC SOCIETY -- The recently formed club is making its first public bow on Thursday the 4th of January, when it is presenting at the Town Hall, two one-act plays entitled respectively "No Servants" originally produced at the Princes Theatre, London, and "Chiselling" from the Vaudeville Theatre, London.
The Orchestral Society will play selections during the interval. With the acquisition of further members, the Dramatic Society proposes to undertake rehearsals for either a three-act play or a musical comedy, for production shortly after Easter.

Cheshire Observer, 6 Jan 1923, page 7, column 6. - First Performance

TARPORLEY DRAMATIC SOCIETY -- First Performance
A large audience assembled at the Tarporley Town Hall on Thursday night, when the members of the recently formed Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society, in two plays made their first bows to neighbours and friends. The plays chosen for presentation were "No Servants" a comedy in one act and "Chiselling" a farce, both of which were originally produced at the Princes Theatre and the Vaudeville Theatre, London, respectively. During the interval and prior to the raising of the curtain, the Tarporley Orchestral Society, under the baton of Mr. H. C. Yates, rendered selections. ........

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Cheshire Observer, 24 Oct 1925, page 14, column 6 – Whist drive and dance

Cheshire Observer, 30 Jan 1926, page 14, column 7 - Nothing But the Truth

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH - - At Tarporley - - Dramatic Society's Production - - (From a Staff Reporter) - -
One of the happiest instances of our rural life to-day is the impetus which our young men's experiences abroad have given to the “brighter village movement,” which, in pre-war days, was largely a phrase and nothing more. The war made travellers of many “village lads,” and enlarged their outlook upon life. Moreover, the development of motor'bus and other services has linked up the villages with the towns and cities, and to-day village life is no longer monotonous, but possesses many of the amenities which used to attract the rural workers to the towns, Many of our towns and larger villages possess quite excellent amateur theatrical societies. Tarporley, for instance, has had such a society since 1922, and we had the pleasure this week of witnessing their latest production and appraising its quality.
The Tarporley Amateur Dramatics Society, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, gave performances of the droll three-act comedy, “Nothing but the Truth,” by James Montgomery, from the novel by Frederick S. Isham. The venture was in aid of the Building Fund for the proposed Eaton Village Institute. Judging from the attendances on both evenings, the fund should benefit to no inconsiderable extent
“Nothing but the Truth” was the fourth production of this society. Their initial effort, in 1922, .was modest, consisting of two sketches. In 1923, the society produced the ever-amusing “Are you a Mason?” and in 1924, Tilly of Bloomsbury.” The work of the cast on Wednesday night was a quality on which we congratulate the society. Nevertheless, there is considerable room for improvement, and we no doubt that the progress which the society has undoubtedly made will be continued, until the Tarporley players rank amongst the most accomplished in the county. A little more self- confidence, and a wondrous improvement would be noticeable. As we have indicated, the members of the cast revealed real talent. Yet we are convinced that they are capable of doing better still. We shall look forward with confidence to their future productions.
“Nothing but the Truth” tells of the harrowing experiences in social life of a New York business man, who, to win a bet, undertakes to tell nothing but the truth for twenty-four hours. The moral of the play is that “white lies” are not only a great social convenience, but are a sine qua non to a peaceful existence.
Mr, Cripin, who, in addition to much hard work in the capacity of a producer, played one of the lerading roles, and acted as pianist in the orchestra between the acts, gave a clever portrayal of the lovable, sportsmanlike Bob Bennett, New York stockbroker, who believed in “Truth in business.” Mr. Yates , as the worldly-wise and cynical E. M. Ralston, Bennett's partner, whose own cuteness recoils upon him, filled his role well, though his American accent was sometimes forgotten. Mr. F. H. Haones (who also played in the orchestra) as the social lounger, Clarence Van Dusen, contributed much to the humorous element of the piece. Mr. H. Hemmings imparted to the part of the Rev. Dr. Doran a convincing solemnity of manner and of utterance. The scene in which he confronted the financiers and beat them at their own game of bluff was one of the most amusing in the piece. The name of “Mr. M. Yelwall”on the programme cloaked the identity of Miss May Lawley, who appeared with much success in the role of Dick Donnelly, the youthful business partner of Ralston and Bennett. Miss Lawley's voice, too high-pitched for that of a young man, was the only thing that tended to betray the illusion. Mrs. W. Cluett, in the part of Gwen, Bennett's fiancee, and Miss Haines, as Mrs. Ralston, gave skilful performances. Mrs. Traynor gave a realistic and piquant portrayal of Mabel, a young actress well able to take care of herself in a hard world. The other roles also were in capable hands, viz: Ethel, Miss Spendlove; Sybil Mrs, Elson; and Martha, a maid, Miss Smallshaw. Miss Lawley appeared for the first time in a leading role, and justified the compliment thus paid to her, while it was Miss Smallshaw's first appearance on the stage.
The members of the orchestra, whose efforts added appreciably to to the pleasure of the evening, were : Mr. H. C. Yates (piano), Mr. F. H. Haines (organ), Mr. Edmondson, of Reaseheath Poultry Farm (1st violin), Mr. Harry Timmis, (2nd violin), and Mr. J. Clays (double bass).
Mrs. Michael Golding rendered valuable service as hon. secretary, as did also Mrs. Cumming as hon, treasurer. Master Ronald Cluett and little Miss Sheila Platt were the programme sellers, while sweets were sold by the Misses Leila Cumming and Cora Shenton.
As a result of the performances, the sum of £61. 19s. 6d. was raised for the Eaton Institute Building Fund.

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Cheshire Observer, 12 Feb 1927, page 11, column 3 – Importance of being Earnest

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Cheshire Observer, 31 Oct 1931, page 9, column 4 - The Sport of Kings
First performance after a lapse of two years

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Please find copies of all the articles downloaded from the website. These show complete pages, and can be enlarged to make the text more easily legible:
• “Tarporley: Amateur Dramatic Society” — Cheshire Observer, 28 April 1894, page 3, column 2.
• “Tarporley: Dramatic Performance” — Chester Courant, 14 November 1894, page 8, column 4 (an identically-worded report also appeared in the
Cheshire Observer for 17 November 1894).
• “Tarporley: Amateur Dramatic Society” — Cheshire Observer, 15 April 1922, page 9, column 3 (proposing the formation of the society)
• “Tarporley: Dramatic Society” — Cheshire Observer, 23 December 1922, page 8, column 6
• “Tarporley Dramatic Society: First Performance” — Cheshire Observer, 6 January 1923, page 7, column 6.
• “Tarporley: Amateur Dramatic Society” — Cheshire Observer, 24 October 1925, page 14, column 6.
• “’Nothing But the Truth’” at Tarporley. Dramatic Society’s Production” — Cheshire Observer, 30 January 1926, page 14, column 7.
• “Tarporley: Amateur Dramatic Achievement” — Cheshire Observer, 12 February 1927, page 11, column 3.
• “Tarporley Dramatic Society: The Sport of Kings” — Cheshire Observer, 31 October 1931, page 9, column 4 (the first performance “after a lapse of two years”.
All the other entries were outside the date range you indicated (after 1926), but I included the last two because of their potential interest.

PJ Scans
File name
BL_0000157_18940428_018_0003      — Cheshire Observer, 28 Apr 1894, page 3, column 2. 1894 debut in Town Hall
BL_0000391_18941114_107_0008      — Chester Courant, 14 Nov 1894, page 8, column 4 (identically-worded report also appeared in the Cheshire Observer 17 Nov 1894)
Further performance in Town Hall
BL_0000157_19220415_116_0009      — Cheshire Observer, 15 Apr 1922, page 9, column 3 (proposing the formation of the society)
BL_0000157_19221223_138_0008      — Cheshire Observer, 23 Dec 1922, page 8, column 6 – notice of “first public bow”
BL_0000157_19230106_115_0007 b c — Cheshire Observer, 6 Jan 1923, page 7, column 6. continued - First Performance
BL_0000157_19251024_242_0014      — Cheshire Observer, 24 Oct 1925, page 14, column 6 – Whist drive and dance
BL_0000157_19260130_194_0014      — Cheshire Observer, 30 Jan 1926, page 14, column 7 - Nothing But the Truth
BL_0000157_19270212_189_0011      — Cheshire Observer, 12 Feb 1927, page 11, column 3 – Importance of being Earnest
BL_0000157_19311031_116_0009      — Cheshire Observer, 31 Oct 1931, page 9, column 4 - The Sport of Kings (first performance after a lapse of two years)
20-001   Order details and summary Object of Search: References to Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society in local newspapers, pre-1926.
Sources Consulted – Results: 1) British Newspaper Library Online (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
The earliest reference to the Society in the online newspaper indexes dates from the Cheshire Observer of Saturday 28 April 1894, which reported that “On Wednesday the members of the Tarporley Amateur Dramatic Society made their debut in the Town Hall”, suggesting that they may have been formed earlier than had generally been believed. However, another report from 1922 indicates that a new society with the same name was formed in that year, giving their first performance on 4 January 1923. Please find copies of all the articles downloaded from the website. These show complete pages, and can be enlarged to make the text more easily legible: All the other entries were outside the date range you indicated (after 1926), but I included the last two because of their potential interest.

Linda Bennett 04Jul20
I've found a reference from Cheshire Observer 30 January 1926 for perfomances of "Nothing but the Truth" by James Montgomery (it doesn't give the playwright, I got this from google). It's described as a "droll three-act comedy".
Steve Langford 16Jul20
Well done Tom, great detective work. We could celebrate 100 years of the “new” TADS, formed in 1923.
Would be interesting to see if we could get hold of the original 1894 plays.
It seems there is a modern “A Curious Dilemma” by Samantha Evers.
Also Interesting. Have found My Lord in Livery by S. They're-Smith on Amazon.
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Unknown Play 1