The Kettering & District Theatrical Society, also known as Theats, is celebrating 70 years since their first production back in 1956.

On October 29, Theats will perform SIX:TEEN Edition, which will be 70 years to the day of the opening night of their very first show.

Goodnight Vienna was the society’s first production, which was performed in the Savoy Theatre on Russel Street which has since been demolished.

Theats Secretary, Peter Bougard said:

“To reach 70 years of performances means a great deal to Theats. To help celebrate this milestone we decided that we would have another first for us. Our first youth production”.

What is SIX:TEEN EDITION?

SIX:TEEN EDITION is a re-vamped version of the west end musical, SIX.

SIX is a musical Time Machine back to the Tudor era, where the wives of Henry VIII take the stage to tell their stories in their own sassy way.

Young stars

To celebrate Theats history, the company have decided to focus on their legacy: The next generation of performers.

All members of the cast are aged 13-19, shining the spotlight on the company’s rising stars.

“We decided to give a helping hand to encourage the youth of today to showcase their talents, for they will hopefully help to build a platform to kickstart the next 70 years".

Peter said.

SIX:TEEN EDITION is a re-vamped version of the west end musical, SIX, which is a musical throwback in history, where the wives of Henry VIII take the stage to tell their stories in their own sassy way.

Theats' history

In the past 70 years, Theats have won several local NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) awards in recent years, both for productions and individual performance.

Theats were the first company to perform on the Masque Theatre stage in Barton Seagrave and also performed the very first show at the Lighthouse Theatre in Kettering, My Fair Lady.

Peter said:

"Theats has managed to keep up a continuous theatrical presence in Kettering and district due to the many dedicated, and committed, people who had/have a passion for producing shows, and to the hundreds of enthusiastic people wanting to perform in them throughout the years. We must not forget though the contribution made by the many thousands who have been entertained by our shows".

All performances will be taking place at Southfield School for Girls. Tickets can be purchased here.