Formed in 1984 by Tim Easun & David Elmer, previous members of the Bookham based group 'POSE', the group have pursued a vigorous and varied programme, and have become an award-winning part of the local theatrical community. It's first aim was to present high quality productions at the then new Epsom Playhouse, giving local actors and technicians the opportunity to develop their skills and produce musicals and plays in a professional environment. The group initially decided not to enter the already overcrowded market of 'popular' plays and musicals, and set out to produce high quality music and drama within a slightly less well known and varied programme of productions.
Over the years Mid Surrey has now become very well known as a particularly friendly and welcoming group along with a reputation for high quality performances both on the stage and on the technical side. As well as being keen to encourage experienced actors and technicians, the group also has a reputation for giving excellent opportunities to new and less experienced people who join. Many of the Mid Surrey productions are now directed by people who joined initially with little or no experience, with several members moving on to acting schools and professional careers in the theatre, television and films.
The first production back in 1985 was the musical version of Chaucers Canterbury Tales, playing to packed houses at the Epsom Playhouse, this is the only one of the group's productions to have been repeated, with the same Director, Sylvia Denning in 1994. This bawdy portrayal of 14th century England was followed by the contemporary Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party, showing the flexibility and all round talent of the group right from the start. The 40 main productions that have followed have continued to show the versatility and originality of the group.
There were 2 entries into the Christmas pantomime scene, with Cinderella and Red Riding Hood in 1989/90, both performed at the Box Hill School in Mickleham. After these successful productions, both directed from within the group, it was decided by the then committee to concentrate our resources on our main theatre productions. In l 990/91 there were 2 Sondheim musicals, A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum and Company, both acclaimed artistic successes although not as popular with as many of the public as would have been hoped for.
In 1993 Mid Surrey were proud to be asked to present the World Premiere of Dorian Gray - The Musical. As well as playing to near sell out audiences, the production received rave reviews for originality, music and staging and was the winner of an award of Excellence from NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.
In addition to productions at the Epsom Playhouse, Mid Surrey also performed at the Casson Room Studio at The Thorndike Theatre Leatherhead, before it's closure in 1998, and are always keen to consider new venues. As well as the main theatrical and musical productions, Mid Surrey have become part of the local cultural and social calendar with annual two night Dinner & Cabaret shows. Usually taking place during the winter at the Oddfellows club in Leatherhead, these evenings consist of a high quality 4 course dinner, cooked and served by the group, followed by a mainly comic, occasionally serious and extremely varied cabaret show. These unique and wonderfully entertaining evenings give the chance to all members who want to perform sketches, monologues and songs in a small cabaret environment, the excellent selection of wines served with dinner ensure an enthusiastic audience response!
Mid Surrey Theatre Company have made a number of generous charitable donations, most recently the Saturday evening productions of our major Playhouse shows have been in aid of the Friends of Epsom General and West Park Hospitals. The Friends have been delighted to receive over £2000 in the last 3years.
Mid Surrey Theatre Company is run by an annually elected committee, usually comprising of 8 members, plus Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. There are also 3 Trustees, Tim Easun, Margaret Jack and David Elmer, who have been a tower of strength and have guided and supported the group since the beginning. The committee meet once a month and all members as well as committee members are welcome.