After months of hard work and determination following the severe flood damage we faced in January 2024, we were thrilled to throw open the doors of the Academy Theatre once again for our Spring production of Will You Still Love Me In The Morning? – and what a welcome back it was!

Running from Wednesday 2nd to Saturday 5th April and again from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th April, the show was enjoyed by over 600 people, and we couldn’t be happier with the turnout and the overwhelming support we received from the community.

This production marked a huge milestone for us – our first show since the flood damage – and none of it would have been possible without the incredible efforts of club member Ian Hanmer, who led the restoration of our beloved theatre with tireless dedication. Ian’s leadership in managing the contractors and keeping the project on track was instrumental, and we offer him our deepest thanks.

Will You Still Love Me In The Morning? was a riotous, fast-paced comedy that had audiences in stitches from beginning to end. The feedback we received has been nothing short of outstanding, with many commenting on the impeccable timing and energy of the cast – particularly in the whirlwind that was Act 2!

The story followed newlyweds Celia and Jeremy Winthrop (brilliantly played by Jo Longstaff and Andy Hallsworth) as they returned early from their honeymoon, only to discover Jeremy’s colleagues Peregrine and Humphrey (played by Glyn Casswell and Ian Hanmer) had each brought the other’s wife – Sara and Thelma (played by Emma Simpson and Lissy Rawlings) – to stay at the house. What followed was a hilarious descent into chaos as Celia and Jeremy scrambled to host two dinner parties simultaneously to prevent their guests discovering each other’s secrets.

Adding even more hilarity to the mix was Peter Storr as Syd, the ever-drunk plumber, who wandered in complaining about leaks, misplaced tools, and – in one memorable moment – was mistaken for a corpse! It was pure comic mayhem, and audiences loved every second.

We were also delighted to introduce a new feature this season – a bar at each performance, wonderfully provided and run by Louis from Cross Keys, Gainford. Thank you, Louis, for keeping spirits high both on and off stage!

2024 would have marked the 75th year of Gainford Drama Club – a milestone we had hoped to celebrate more fully before the floods struck. While those celebrations had to be put on hold, this triumphant return to the stage felt like a celebration in itself, and we’re so grateful to have shared it with you.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who came to support us, laughed with us, and helped us celebrate the return of live theatre in Gainford. Your presence meant the world to us.

We can’t wait to welcome you back in July when we return with our next production, All Bar One – we’ll see you there!