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The Allestree Theatre Group was founded in 1960 when a group of residents met at the house of Robert (Bob) and Roma Wilcock in Birchover Way, Allestree.
The first production, in May 1961, was a single performance of the three act play “Happy Days”, a prophetic phrase for the ATG. It was rehearsed and performed at Fraser Hall, Leylands Cottage Homes, Broadway, Derby.
“Bonaventure” and “Blithe Spirit” were the first two paying audience productions at Sturgess School, Queensway, now a cleared site. Scenery had been acquired from a TV production in Manchester and some of it is still used today.
St Nicholas’ Church was the venue for “Casey” and Sudbury Prison the venue for “Birthday Honours” in 1962 and 1963 respectively.
St Nicholas’ Church Hall was completed in late 1963 and the first performance to take place there was “Prophesy to the Wind”. The Hall has been the Group’s rehearsal and performance venue since that time and we have been involved in many Church activities. We continued to present a single performance of each play at Leylands for many years.
In competitions at Arts Festivals in Derby. Chesterfield and Tamworth the Group have received awards for best actor and actress, best production, and best set and properties. Two plays written by a member of the group have been performed at Festivals.
Awards and nominations for the Eagle Awards, which were presented at Derby Playhouse, have included best production, best actor, best actress, best supporting actress, best newcomer and best set.