Welcome
This is the website of Betchworth Operatic and Dramatic Society, commonly known as 'BODS'. We are a friendly society with a long tradition of high-quality music and drama productions at Betchworth Memorial Hall (between Reigate and Dorking) as well as varied social events. Feel free to explore information here about our history, past productions and future plans. Then come and join us !
A Christmas Carol
Performances: 2-5 December 2026, St Michael's Church, Betchworth
Director: Gail Lowe
BODS presents A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by director Gail Lowe to include much of the original dialogue, and featuring familiar Christmas music. The performances will take place in the historic setting of St Michael's church Betchworth, providing a unique atmospheric backdrop for this classic ghostly tale.
Published in 1843, the book centres on Ebenezer Scrooge, a rich but mean old man who refuses to celebrate Christmas or to help the poor. He is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley, then the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, with dire warnings about the impending consequences of his miserly behaviour. Our production includes many of the minor characters who bring the story to life
Production Team
| Director | Gail Lowe |
| Musical Director | Ian Stone |
| Sound, Lighting & Stage Management |
David Ames, Tony Smith, Stephen Tickell |
| Props | Annabel Lloyd |
| Front of House | Julie Bickerdike, Jane Flanders, Ellie Hubbard, Joanne Packham, Jane Seymour, Linda Slater |
BITS and BODS
Performances: 13-16th May 2026, Betchworth Village Hall
A miscellany of music and drama to celebrate 90 years since the very first BODS production, including a Gilbert & Sullivan medley 'Poetic License' and a selection from Salad Days, My Fair Lady and The Merry Widow - both specially devised by Alison Cooper and Ian Stone - and an extract from The Ghost Train which was the first BODS production
Full programme here
|
Cast |
David Ames, Diana Barnsley, Julie Bickerdike, Lynda Barrett-Mercer, Dee Coutts, David Eccles, Julian Edney, Sarah Esser-Haswell, Jane Flanders, Ellie Hubbard, Gerald Hulf, Jane Johnson, Virginia King, Gail Lowe, Diane Mayall, Neil Mayall, Roger Nelson, Sue Nelson, Kieran O'Neil, Joanne Packham, Jane Seymour, Linda Slater, Emoke Soproni, Jane Straker, Peter Telford, Peter Thomas, Stephen Tickell, Christina Usher, Neil Williams |
|
Narrator |
David Longes |
| Directors | Alison Cooper, Gail Lowe, Diane Mayall, Stephen Tickell |
| Musical Director |
Ian Stone |
| Lighting | David Ames, Anthony Smith |
| Stage Manager | Stephen Tickell |
| Choreography | Alison Cooper, Gail Lowe |
| Photography | Geoff Martin |
| Poster/Programme | Stephen Tickell |
Dress rehearsal photos
Acting Workshop 2026
All are welcome to a BODS acting workshop on Saturday 31 January. We've been fortunate to receive a small grant specifically to run a workshop from the All England Theatre Festival fund, which we were eligible for after our entry in the 2025 Southern Counties festival
This enables us to offer a one-day event with a professional tutor for just £10 per person. It will be led by David Rowan, an experienced actor who amongst various activities is associate director of the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival and also runs an annual young people's summer theatre course for Oxted Players
Taking place at Reigate Methodist Church, from 10-4 with a light lunch and tea/coffee breaks provided, the programme will be a relaxed opportunity to develop your acting skills, including:
- Finding greater freedom to express character and comedy physically and vocally.
- Focus on character work (physical, vocal) with improv and fun theatre games
- Exercises in groups and pairs (but avoiding any embarrassment or exposure)
No prior experience is assumed, with the emphasis on fun and trying out things we wouldn't have time for in a normal rehearsal. It's aimed at adults, but under-18s can attend if accompanied. To book your place please fill in the form at forms.gle/r7SGqZzzzzwPRsRq5 by 25 January, or contact us for more information