“What big eyes you have!” “All the better to watch The DODS Panto!”

In January, join us on a journey into the Fairytale Forest for Little Red Riding Hood – a marvellous new pantomime; filled full of larger than life characters, toe-tapping musical numbers and plenty of giggles, this panto treat is perfect for the whole family.

Mr King, the evil industrialist, is determined to cut down the Fairytale Forest so that he can build one of his horrible fake-poo and chemical-goo factories. He has been using his army of evil henchman to terrorise the forest residents into abandoning their forest homes, but he has a formidable obstacle in his way: Granny Hood, head of the Forest Protection League!

Follow Little Red as she tries to help her Granny defeat Mr King and his disgusting band of minions, along with help from her best-friend, Woody the Woodcutter, and a few surprising allies along the way. Will the Forest Protection League save the Fairytale Forest, or will Mr King emerge triumphant?! There’s only one way to find out – join us on our panto adventure!

On the northeast tip of North America, On an island called Newfoundland, There’s an airport, It used to be one of the biggest airports in the world, And next to it is a town, called Gander

This is where the remarkable true story of Come From Away begins. With book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this internationally celebrated musical brings together hundreds of real-life stories from the people of Gander and the thousands of airline passengers who became known as the “Come From Aways.” When US airspace closed on 11th September 2001, planes from around the world were suddenly diverted to this small Canadian town, leaving travellers stranded for days, some kept on board their aircraft for nearly 24 hours unsure of when they would be able to continue their journeys. What followed was an extraordinary display of kindness, humour and generosity from a community determined to help.

It is a story that, at the time, received little attention in the global headlines, yet has since become one of the most uplifting and inspiring accounts to emerge from those difficult days. Through memorable characters such as Beulah, Nick and Diane, Come From Away shines a light on the warmth, resilience and connection that grew between strangers.

Come From Away opened in London’s West End at the Phoenix Theatre in February 2019 and ran for almost four years, becoming one of the capital’s most loved modern musicals. It was honoured with the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and has since delighted audiences around the world. This is perhaps not a musical in the traditional sense—there are no grand spectacle numbers or elaborate sets. Instead, the story is driven by a lively on-stage band and music rooted in the sounds and spirit of Newfoundland, creating an energetic and deeply moving theatrical experience.

While the events of 9/11 are not remembered as happy ones, Come From Away is ultimately a story about kindness, community and hope. This May, The Dods is proud to bring this one-of-a-kind production to Dursley—100 minutes of unforgettable storytelling, with no interval—and an uplifting night of theatre that audiences will carry with them long after the final note.

This July, audiences are invited to experience the wonder of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. as Junior DODS take to the stage from 2nd–4th July.

This lively, feel-good musical brings the vibrant world of Agrabah to life, packed with daring adventures, comic chaos and a Genie bursting with personality. It’s a joyful, fast-moving show full of colour, energy and charm.

Featuring a selection of iconic songs from the much-loved Disney film, including Arabian Nights, Prince Ali, Friend Like Me and A Whole New World, this production promises entertainment for all ages.

Junior DODS is our flourishing youth theatre company, made up of passionate performers aged 11 and over, and this production showcases their talent, enthusiasm and hard work. One unforgettable highlight sees Aladdin and Jasmine glide across the stage on a magical flying carpet! A theatrical moment guaranteed to amaze.

Be sure to catch this dazzling upcoming production, a true celebration of young talent and Disney magic.

They’re creepy, they’re kooky, and they’re more popular than ever—now, The Addams Family: The Musical Comedy is coming to Dursley in a spectacular new stage production!

Hot off the back of a global revival and a surge in popularity thanks to the hit Netflix series Wednesday, DODS is thrilled to bring this delightfully dark musical comedy to local audiences in May 2026.
With a fantastic score by Andrew Lippa, this wickedly funny show follows the iconic Addams clan as their world is turned upside down when Wednesday falls in love with someone shockingly normal. Chaos, comedy, and catchy tunes collide in a tale of love, family, and finding common ground over dinner.

It’s bold. It’s bizarre. And it’s coming to Dursley. Don’t miss The Addams Family: The Musical Comedy — hitting the stage May 2026!

Hold onto your teacups – adventure is about to get curiouser and curiouser!

In January, We invite you to tumble headfirst into Alice in Pantoland – a dazzling new pantomime packed with magic, mischief and mayhem!

When Alice takes an unexpected trip down the rabbit hole, she doesn’t land in Wonderland… she crash-lands in Pantoland, a madcap world where pantos collide! From wicked villains plotting chaos, to cheeky dames causing a commotion, to a whole host of fairytale faces popping up where you least expect them – Alice must follow the clues, face the madness, and discover if she’s got what it takes.

Expect laugh-out-loud comedy, spectacular sets, show-stopping songs and more than a sprinkle of pantomime magic. With surprises around every corner, Alice in Pantoland is a riotous treat that will keep the whole family on the edge of their seats.

Will Alice solve the riddles, defeat the villains, and find her way home? There’s only one way to find out… join us for the adventure of the year!

There’s no business like show business—and no one knows that better than struggling theatre producer Zed Mozzarella. His last show flopped, he’s deep in debt to local gangster Big Tony, and time’s running out. He needs a hit, fast!

Cue two rival youth theatre groups from the ‘Greater Metropolitan’ area of Dursley—fierce competitors on stage and off. But when a pair of young stars from opposite sides fall for each other, friendship, love, and a whole lot of musical mayhem take centre stage.

Break A Leg is a high-energy musical comedy packed with big laughs, bigger characters, and iconic songs from West Side Story, Cabaret, Dear Evan Hansen, Avenue Q, We Will Rock You, and many more!

Performed by Junior DODS, our talented group of young performers aged 11 to 18 who are excited to take to the stage once again.

Written especially for young performers, this madcap show was first staged by Junior DODS in 2006 to rave reviews from NODA and the Rosebowl Awards. Now it’s back—bolder, brighter, and bursting with talent. Don’t miss it!

Step into a world of mystery, mischief, and murderous fun with Cluedo! When a host is found dead at a lavish country manor, six suspicious guests become suspects—and it’s up to you to follow the clues, unravel the secrets, and solve the crime before the killer strikes again!

Based on the classic board game and inspired by the cult film, this fast-paced whodunnit is packed with sharp wit, quirky characters, and outrageous twists. Expect eccentric suspects, outrageous alibis, and a whole lot of laughs as chaos unfolds in every room of the mansion.

Will it be Miss Scarlet in the lounge with the candlestick? Or Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with the wrench? Join us for an evening of suspense and silliness you won’t forget.

Don’t miss your chance to see Cluedo live on stage—book your tickets now and get ready to play detective!

This October, The DODS presents a fresh and imaginative new production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. One of the world’s most enduring comedies, this timeless tale of love, mischief and mistaken identity has enchanted audiences for over 400 years. Our contemporary interpretation transports the action to the celebrations surrounding a major corporate merger, where appearances can be deceiving and, before long, the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary.

As day turns to night, reality begins to blur. A mischievous fairy, a group of enthusiastic amateur performers, and a cast of lovers whose hearts seem determined to lead them astray combine to create one of Shakespeare’s funniest and most magical adventures. Full of wit, romance and theatrical charm, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is every bit as entertaining today as it was when it was first performed.

Whether you’re discovering Shakespeare for the first time or returning to an old favorite, this lively new production promises an evening of laughter, imagination and unexpected twists. Join us this October and discover why A Midsummer Night’s Dream remains one of the most beloved comedies ever written.

Join us at the Lister Hall, Chantry Centre in Dursley in May 2025 for a spellbinding production of this beloved tale. Originally a timeless French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast was transformed into a dazzling animated film by Disney in 1991, enchanting audiences worldwide. The magical score by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, features unforgettable songs like Be Our Guest, Belle, Gaston, and the Academy Award-winning title song, Beauty and the Beast.

The original Broadway production was a smash hit, running for over thirteen years and garnering numerous awards, making it one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

Prepare to be whisked away to a world where enchantment is real, and love conquers all. Witness the transformation of the Beast’s castle, the whimsical antics of Lumiere and Cogsworth, and the blossoming romance between Belle and the Beast. Not performed by the DODS since 2011, this is a magical experience you won’t want to miss!

Be our guest and secure your seats for this magical journey of love and transformation.

For a limited time only, join us for a magical adventure with the classic family pantomime, Dick Whittington! Step into a world where everything is possible, and anything could (and will) happen. With hilarious comedy, toe-tapping music, and plenty of audience participation, this timeless tale is fun for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of “Dick Whittington” at our sensational family pantomime! Book your tickets now!

Get ready for an evening of laughter and entertainment with “A Bunch of Amateurs”! When a small English town’s amateur dramatic society faces closure, they recruit a fading Hollywood star to help save their theater. Hilarity ensues as egos clash and chaos reigns both on and off the stage. Based on the hit movie starring Burt Reynolds, this heartwarming comedy celebrates the power of community, the joy of theater, and the triumph of the underdog. Don’t miss your chance to see ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ live on stage. Get your tickets today and be part of the fun!

Step into the dazzling world of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR® DREAMCOAT performed by our vibrant youth theatre group, Junior DODS! Don’t miss out on this exciting forthcoming production brought to you by talented young performers aged 11 and up. Join us for a spectacular journey through the biblical story of Joseph, filled with unforgettable songs, energetic dance numbers, and vibrant costumes. Book your tickets now for an unforgettable night at the theatre!

In a quaint Yorkshire Women’s Institute, the passing of a beloved husband sparks a remarkable idea among the members. Defying stereotypes and societal norms, this group of seemingly ordinary WI members embarks on an extraordinary venture: creating an artistic nude calendar to raise money for the local hospital. Little do they anticipate the profound emotional journey and personal growth that ensues. As they come together to craft a hilarious and heartwarming calendar, each woman blossoms in unexpected ways.

This true story of the Calendar Girls has captivated audiences worldwide, inspiring countless imitations and even a record-breaking movie, stage play, and musical by Tim Firth and Gary Barlow. It’s a tale that coined the term “craughing” – the bittersweet blend of laughter and tears. With unforgettable songs and performances, each rendition continues to raise millions for charity and celebrates the extraordinary in every woman. Join us for an unforgettable experience that proves there’s no such thing as an ordinary woman.

Oh yes it is! It’s that time of year where you can join the Dursley Operatic Dramatic Society in an enchanted land of castles, forests and magical mayhem with our captivating 2024 pantomime, ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Transport yourself to the happy land of Merriville where we find our King and Queen ready to celebrate the birth of their beautiful daughter Princess Rose. Cursed by her wicked Aunt Ophelia, Princess Rose must find her prince in time to make sure that she – and the kingdom – can be saved from a lifetime of slumber! Helped along the way by a team of magical fairies, spooky spiders, a castle jester and her beloved Nanny Nora, will they be able to create the kind of spell they need to defeat the curse? Don’t miss your chance to be wowed by stunning sets, captivating costumes, magical music and more as The DODS take you on a journey into a world where love, friendship and a special kind of magic are waiting!

To complete our 70th year line up, The DODS presents Stepping Out! A heart-warming and comedic stage play by Richard Harris that premiered in London’s West End in 1984. It follows a group of eight individuals from diverse backgrounds who gather for a tap dance class in a rundown church hall. Led by their patient instructor, Mavis, they initially lack skill but are eager to improve. The play delves into their personal lives, showcasing their hopes, dreams, and insecurities. Despite their differences, they find solace and camaraderie in the dance class, highlighting the beauty of friendship and perseverance. The vibrant characters support each other through life’s challenges, while the play’s humour and touching moments leave audiences entertained and inspired. Stepping Out cleverly weaves dance with human connections, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages. 

This July our Junior DODS are excited to be performing the fantastic musical comedy Bugsy Malone.

This high-energy show, with a cast of 46 young people, promises to be a real treat. All the ingredients of Alan Parker’s classic 1976 movie will be re-created on the Lister Hall stage – splurge guns, New York gangsters and jazz club singers.

Full of well known, catchy songs such as Fat Sam’s Grand Slam, My Name is Talullah, So you wanna be a boxer, and the brilliant finale song You give a little love.

Don’t miss out on this enduring musical favourite! Do you dare to sit in the Splurge Zone?

The DODS celebrate 70 years of creating theatre in this scrumptious town, with a brand new production of the award winning musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, A first ever for The DODS!

The famous flying car lands here at the Lister Hall, Chantry Centre in Dursley May 2023 in this wonderful musical version of the classic MGM movie.

Originally written by Ian Fleming as a story for his son Caspar, it became the much loved 1968 film starring Dick van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes. A sensational score by Richard and Robert Sherman includes such unforgettable songs as Truly Scrumptious, Hushabye Mountain, Toot Sweets and, of course, its Oscar-nominated title song Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Chitty broke box office records in the West End and ran for three years, winning multiple awards before flying off to Broadway.

This new production promises laughter, spectacle and magic, including the phantasmagorical fine four-fendered Chitty car herself!

With a cast of over 50, spectacular sets, classic costumes and stunning special effects, this Truly is a not-to-be-missed musical for May 2023. Ticketing opens Jan 1st 2023

Book by Ian Fleming
Music & Lyrics Richard & Robert Sherman
Adapted for the stage by Jeremy Sams
Based on the 1968 MGM film script, adapted by Ray Roderick.

We promise a great evening of fun this autumn when we stage the much-loved 1980s sitcom ‘Allo ‘Allo! Sit back and enjoy the hilarious world of Rene, Edith and the host of brilliant characters that made this comedy by the writers David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd such a hit.

Hi The DODS presents a modern retelling of one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved stories, ‘Matilda’! 

This new show from Dennis Kelly and Tim Minchin tells the story of a young girl named Matilda as she gets ready to attend school for the first time, struggling against both her horrible parents and the school’s headmistress and former Olympic hammer-throwing champion, Miss Trunchbull! 

All is not lost, though, as Matilda finds support from her new classmates, her local librarian, Mrs Phelps, and her new teacher, Miss Honey. Can this incredible little girl find a way to save the school from Miss Trunchbull’s iron fist while avoiding ending up in the terrible Chokey? And what secrets from the past will she uncover along the way?

The DODS are delighted to present the Dolly Parton Musical 9 TO 5! This fantastic show tells the story of three women pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the iconic 80’s film and brought to you by Dolly Parton herself, this hilarious production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business! This empowering show promises to be a fantastic evening of theatre.

THE DODS ARE BACK! 

20 months since our last show and the DODS are back on the Lister Hall stage. 

“It’s Showtime” is a variety show featuring songs, dance numbers, and short sketches all with the theme of the theatre. 

Our team have put together an evening of entertainment for you to enjoy. 

We are so happy to be back and welcoming you back. 

It’s that time of year again! As we dust off our green felt hats and tights, now is the perfect time to book your tickets for our January pantomime ‘Peter Pan!’ Join our heroes Peter Pan, Wendy, and Tinkerbell in their adventures through Neverland. Can they defeat the evil Captain Hook? Or will they be fed to the crocodiles? This heartwarming adaptation of a classic tale promises fun and frolics for all the family, with plenty of chances for you to cheer the heroes and boo the villains!

The DODS traditional pantomime returns in January and tells the story of street urchin Aladdin. His adventures begin when he meets a young girl who happens to be the Princess, the daughter of the Sultan of the land, and falls madly in love. However, the evil Abanazar, imprisons Aladdin and manipulates him into working for him. Aladdin’s luck suddenly changes when he retrieves a magical lamp from the Cave of Wonders. Our story follows his adventures so come along, boo the baddies and cheer the goodies!

Junior DODS would like you to join them on a tour around the world! 

The group of young people aged 11 to 18  are prsenting a showcase of songs, dances and poems from across the globe. The production will include large ensemble pieces as well as solo sections with songs from some great hit musiicals. 

There will be something for everyone, so why not come along and join them on this exciting world musical tour!

Join us for a hilarious night of theatre when we re-join those much-loved characters from the world of Maplin’s holiday camp! Our stage version of the hit BBC One sitcom Hi-de-Hi is a joyful, nostalgic evening of laughs.

All your favourite characters are featured – Professor Jeffrey Fairbrother the Entertainment manager, the larger than life Ted Bovis, Chief Yellowcoat and Maplin radio announcer Gladys Pugh, and Peggy the Maid who dreams of becoming a Yellowcoat….to name just a few.

Don’t miss out on a fantastic night of comedy!