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. Tickets go on sale January 1st, 2025.

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!

Join the ladies of Ford Dagenham as they stand up for equal rights in this new musical composed by Grammy Award winner David Arnold. First staged on the West End in 2014, the show follows working mother Rita O’Grady as she leads the women machinists in a strike over equal pay. Based on a true story and featuring historical characters like Harold Wilson and Barbara Castle, this fantastic show will make you laugh, make you cry, and most importantly make you shout: EVERYBODY OUT!

It’s time to slap your thighs and shout ‘He’s behind you!’, because this pantomime season DODS is proud to present Robin Hood! Join everyone’s favourite outlaw as he and his band of Merry Men rob from the rich and gives to the poor, all the while outfoxing that villainous old Sheriff of Nottingham. A magical family show filled with all the traditional thrills and spills for children and adults of all ages!

This October the DODS are delighted to be performing a stage adaptation of the classic British sitcom, Blackadder II! We are presenting three episodes taken from the highly acclaimed second series of the show and featuring some of the most classic characters, from the dashing Lord Flashheart to the revolting Baby-eating Bishop of Bath & Wells, as Lord Edmund Blackadder fails miserably (with the help of his faithful sidekicks, Percy and Baldrick) to win the favour of young Queen Elizabeth.

The hit Broadway and West End show Rent will be staged by the DODS as a special charity fund-raiser this summer for three nights only. The rock musical has music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson and is loosely based on Puccini’s La Boheme. Starting out as a workshop production, Rent went on to be a firm fixture on Broadway for over 10 years, was turned into a film in 2005 and has generated a loyal following of fans across the world.

Don’t miss out on this special production of this heart-warming musical of New York life. Proceeds from this production will be donated to our charity of the year, the Chantry Centre, to help with their exciting development plans.

Junior DODS are delighted to be performing one of the best-loved musicals of recent times, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. The award winning show, based on Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, is an all-singing, all dancing spectacular that has entertained audiences throughout the world.

Our Juniors – all aged 11 to 18, are looking forward to staging this fantastic musical. Book soon to avoid disappointment!

We’re delighted to be staging Monty Python’s Spamalot as our spring musical in 2018. The hit musical comedy adapted from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, promises to be an irreverent and hilarious evening of theatre.